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GENERAL W. T. SHERMAN 
AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 




William Tecumseh Sherman, i860 

From a painting by Colonel S. H. Lockett, owned by 
Louisiana State University 



GENERAL W. T. SHERMAN 
AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

A collection of letters, documents, and other 
material, chiefly from private sources, relating 
to the life and activities of General William 
Tecumseh Sherman, to the early years ot 
Louisiana State University, and to the stirring 
conditions existing in the South on the eve of 
the Civil War; 1 859-1861 



Collected and edited by 
WALTER L. FLEMING, Ph.D. 

Professor of history, Louisiana State University 




CLEVELAND, OHIO 

THE ARTHUR H. CLARK COMPANY 

1912 



\ 



COPYRIGHT, 1912, BY 

WALTER L. FLEMING 



\J 



£CI.A3143^7 



CONTENTS 

Preface ...... 

Introduction ...... 

I Election of the Seminary Faculty. Sherman 

comes South ..... 

II Preparing for the Opening of the Seminary 

III The Beginning of the first Session 

IV Student Troubles- Sherman plans to go to Eng 

land ...... 

V The Reorganization of the Seminary 

VI The Close of the first Session 

VII The Vacation of i860: Ohio, Washington, New 

York ...... 

VIII The second Session. The Coming of Secession 

IX Secession - Superintendent Sherman resigns 

X To New Orleans and the North . 
Index . ...... 



11 

13 

19 

47 
97 

137 
197 

235 

253 
295 
335 
365 
385 



ILLUSTRATIONS 

William Tecumseh Sherman, i860 . . Frontispiece 

The first Faculty: William Tecumseh Sherman, Powhatan 

Clarke, Anthony Vallas, D. F. Boyd, Francis W. Smith . 27 
Ground Floor Plan of the Louisiana State Seminary 
[text cut] . . . . . . .31 

Drawn from notes and plan accompanying General Graham's letter to 
Sherman. 

Louisiana State Seminary in i860 . . . -49 

Letter of Major P. G. T. Beauregard to Sherman (three 
plates) . . . . . . . m-115 

Sherman's Instructions to State Cadets (two plates) 227-229 
Sherman's Letter to General G. M. Graham . . 355, 



PREFACE 

For assistance in gathering and preparing the ma- 
terial printed in this book I am indebted to the kindly- 
services of many friends, especially to Philemon Tecum- 
seh Sherman of New York City, who has permitted 
the use of all letters and documents in his possession 
relating to his father's life in Louisiana; to Leroy S. 
Boyd, Esq., of Washington, D.C., who has turned over 
to me a mass of manuscript, pamphlet, and newspaper 
material relating to the early history of the Seminary; 
to President Thomas D. Boyd and Professors Albert 
M. Herget and William O. Scroggs, of Louisiana State 
University, who have given material assistance in the 
collection and preparation of the documentary material. 
My wife and her mother, Mrs. David F. Boyd, the 
widow of Sherman's most intimate friend in Louisiana, 
and Miss Theo Jones, have assisted me greatly in veri- 
fying names and dates and in deciphering crabbed hand- 
writing. 

Walter L. Fleming. 
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, La. 
August, IQII 



INTRODUCTION 

Purpose of the collection. Sherman's plan for such a publication. His 
brief account of the organization of the Seminary. Sources of the material 
here reprinted. The organization of the Seminary. 

The purpose of this work is to bring together upon 
the occasion of the semicentennial of the organization 
of Louisiana State University the material, chiefly docu- 
mentary, relating to the beginnings of the Louisiana 
State Seminary (now the Louisiana State University) 
and to the life in Louisiana of William Tecumseh 
Sherman, the first executive of the institution. Late in 
life General Sherman planned such a collection and 
gathered material for it, but he did not publish it. In 
1889 he wrote the following prefatory statement to a 
collection of letters and papers which with considerable 
additions are here published: 

In Sherman's Memoirs, published by the Appletons, volume i, 
pages 172-193, will be found a brief statement of the public 
events in Louisiana with which I was connected, and which im- 
mediately preceded the great Civil War. I now propose to 
supplement that statement by preparing in advance, not with any 
purpose of immediate publication, but rather for preservation in 
a convenient form, a series of letters which seem to me may 
become of value to posterity. 

At a meeting of the Board of Supervisors of the Louisiana 
State Seminary of Learning, at Alexandria, Aug. 2, 1859, I was 
elected professor of engineering, architecture, and drawing and 
superintendent thereof. The action of the board was wholly 
the result of the recommendation of Major Don Carlos Buell, 
then in Washington, and of Gen. G. Mason Graham, half- 
brother to my old chief, Gen. [R. B.] Mason, in California. 



i 4 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

This institution was designed to be a military college, and 
was located three miles north of Alexandria, a town of some 
importance on the south bank, and about a hundred miles up 
Red River. The funds for its maintenance were the proceeds 
of sales of public lands donated by the national Congress for 
this very purpose and held by the state in trust. The main 
building was already finished; was in every way suitable and 
appropriate and over the main entrance was inscribed: "By 
the liberality of the general government, the Union - Esto per- 
petua." 

The general control of this institution was committed to a 
Board of Supervisors, citizens of the State, of which the Gov- 
ernor was ex-officio the president. 

Accordingly I first reported to Governor Wickliffe at Baton 
Rouge, the state capital, who informed me that the cares of his 
office engrossed his whole time, and that he wanted me to go on 
to Alexandria to confer with his successor, Governor-elect 
Thomas O. Moore, and to co-operate fully with Gen. G. Mason 
Graham, a member of the Board of Supervisors, who was in fact 
the real creator of the institution, and resided on his cotton plan- 
tation, "Tyrone," nine miles above Alexandria, on the right or 
south bank of Red River (or its overflow channel, Bayou Rap- 
ides), whereas the Academy was on the left or north bank in the 
pine woods, on high and healthy ground. 

I then proceeded to Alexandria by stage, stopping over night 
with Gov.-elect Moore on Bayou Robert, and then to Gen. 
Graham's plantation, where we soon began the work of prep- 
aration. The professors had already been chosen at the same 
time with myself, and were within call. 

Gen. Graham and I soon got to work agreeing perfectly that 
we should make a start on the ist day of January, i860 and 
should be ready to provide for and instruct about one hundred 
cadets. We had a limited amount of money, and everything 
had to be supplied in advance. A Mr. Jarreau was selected as 
steward. Tables, benches, blackboards, etc. had to be manu- 
factured on the spot, and text books, bedding, and room fur- 
niture bought in New Orleans. Regulations had to be prepared 
and printed, circulars had to be prepared and circulated. All 
was accomplished and practical instruction was begun on the 
ist of January, i860. 



INTRODUCTION 15 



The letters herewith will give a far better understanding of 
the private thoughts and feelings of the men who afterwards 
bore conspicuous parts in the Civil War than any naked narra- 
tive, and I merely intend this as a preface to them. 
New York, Dec. i, 1889. W. T. S. 

The collection here printed was gathered from vari- 
ous sources. It contains the letters collected by Sher- 
man himself ; other letters written by him or to him, and 
furnished to the editor by his son, P. T. Sherman, Esq. ; 
a few extracts from Sherman's Personal Memoirs 
which serve better than editorial matter to connect the 
letters; letters and documents from the archives of 
Louisiana State University; and correspondence relat- 
ing to the Seminary from General G. Mason Graham, 
Major P. G. T. Beauregard, Captain George B. 
McClellan, Captain Braxton Bragg, Governors Wick- 
liffe and Moore, and Dr. S. A. Smith. 

These letters and documents will serve not only to 
show the beginnings of Louisiana State University, and 
Sherman's part therein, as well as his views upon prob- 
lems then agitating the nation, but they will throw light 
upon the social and political conditions of the time, and 
upon the feelings and actions of the southern leaders on 
the eve of the Civil War. 

The Louisiana State Seminary (since 1870 called the 
Louisiana State University), which opened its doors on 
January 2, i860, was the first institution of college grade 
in Louisiana to enjoy the undivided support of the 
state, and of the numerous colleges and universities, 
supported by the state, it alone has survived. It corre- 
sponds to the state universities of other states which 
were established on the foundation of Federal land- 
grants, but it was organized much later than the uni- 
versities of states no older than Louisiana. This delay 



16 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

in establishing a state seminary or university was due to 
conditions within Louisiana: there was a lack of homo- 
geneity in the population of French and Anglo-Amer- 
icans - each with its distinctive ideals and religion ; the 
educational system was decentralised and each geo- 
graphic section, each church party, each nationality 
claimed its state-subsidized college. 

This decentralized system was continued with some- 
what unsatisfactory results until near the middle of the 
nineteenth century, when by the constitutions of 1845 
and 1852 a state system of public schools was inaugu- 
rated and a single state supported "Seminary" author- 
ized. The Seminary was to receive in addition to state 
appropriations the income from the sales of the public 
lands donated by the Federal government to the state of 
Louisiana in 1806, 181 1, and 1827 "for the support of a 
seminary of learning." These lands were not placed on 
the market until 1844. From 1845 to 1852 the legisla- 
ture wrangled over the question of the location of the 
school. In the latter year it was decided to locate it 
near Alexandria in the Parish of Rapides; and in 1853 
a site was selected three miles from Alexandria on the 
north side of the Red River. In 1859 the buildings 
were completed and a faculty selected. 

The leader in all matters relating to the Seminary 
from 1845 to i860 was General George Mason Graham, 
a Virginian, educated at West Point, and a veteran of 
the Mexican War. It was largely through his influence 
that William Tecumseh Sherman was elected superin- 
tendent of the State Seminary. Sherman, who was born 
in Ohio in 1820, was graduated from West Point in 
1840, and after several years' service in southern posts, 
was on staff service in California under General Roger 



INTRODUCTION 17 



B. Mason, a half brother of General G. Mason Graham. 
He resigned from the army in 1853 an d was for several 
years a banker in California and New York. At the 
time of his election he was practising law in Leaven- 
worth, Kansas. 

Walter L. Fleming. 



I. ELECTION OF THE SEMINARY FACULTY 
SHERMAN COMES SOUTH 

Meeting of the supervisors in May, 1859. The Seminary to be a literary 
and scientific institution under a military system of government. Advertise- 
ments for professors. Description of the building and grounds. D. C. Buell 
writes to Sherman about the Seminary. The election of a faculty for the 
Seminary. Graham's account of the building and the professors. Sherman's 
plans for the Seminary. Advice of Captain George B. McClellan relative 
to the organization of the Seminary. Sherman's views on John Brown, slavery, 
and secession. Sherman arrives in Baton Rouge. 

In May 1859 the Board of Supervisors of the State Seminary 
met at Alexandria and by a majority vote decided that the new 
college should be "a literary and scientific institution under a 
military system of government, on a program and plan similar 
to that of the Virginia Military Institute." The several depart- 
ments of instruction were established, and the salaries fixed. In 
order to secure the most competent professors Governor Wick- 
liffe was asked to advertise for applications. The following 
statement, taken from the National Intelligencer, July 4, 1859, 
Washington, D.C., was published widely over the South and 
the North. 

Executive Office, Baton Rouge, La., May 10, 1859. 

At a meeting of the Board of Supervisors of the State 
Seminary of Learning, held at Alexandria, in the Parish 
of Rapides, the following resolution was adopted: 

Resolved, that the President of the Board, in his 
official capacity, advertise for applications from persons 
competent to fill : 

1. A professorship of mathematics, natural and ex- 
perimental philosophy, with artillery tactics; to which 
office shall be attached a salary of twenty-five hundred 
dollars per annum - $2,500. 



ao SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

2. The office of instructor of English and ancient 
languages; to which office shall be attached a salary of 
two thousand dollars per annum - $2,000. 

3. Instructor of engineering, architecture, and draw- 
ing; to which office shall be attached a salary of twenty- 
five hundred dollars - $2,500. 

4. The office of instructor of chemistry, geology, and 
mineralogy, and of infantry tactics; to which office shall 
be attached a salary of twenty-five hundred dollars per 
annum - $2,500. 

5. The office of instructor of the modern European 
languages; to which office shall be attached a salary of 
two thousand dollars per annum - $2,000. 

From the five professors selected a superintendent 
will be chosen, who shall receive one thousand dol- 
lars - $1,000 - extra consideration in virtue thereof. 

Furnished rooms to be provided to the professors free 
of charge. 

In accordance with the foregoing resolution, notice 
is hereby given to all such persons as may desire to pre- 
sent themselves as competent to fill the chairs above 
enumerated, to make application, accompanied with 
recommendations, etc., to me, at the Executive Office at 
Baton Rouge, until the 15th day of July, and after that 
time at Alexandria, in the Parish of Rapides, until the 
1st day of August, 1859; at which time and place the 
selections will be made to fill the several professorships 
and a superintendent chosen. 

The appointments thus made will take effect on the 
first Monday of January next (i860) , at which time the 
institution will be opened. 

The same issue of the National Intelligencer contained the 
following editorial written by General G. Mason Graham, vice- 
president of the Board of Supervisors. 

In another column will be found the advertisement 



SHERMAN COMES SOUTH 21 

of Governor R. C. Wickliffe, president, ex-officio, of 
the Board of Supervisors of the Seminary of Learning 
of the State of Louisiana, inviting applications from 
persons competent to do so and desirous of filling the 
five chairs and the office of superintendent in that insti- 
tution. . . 

This institution, which is about to be organized as a 
scientific and literary institution, under a military sys- 
tem of government, on a programme and plan similar 
to that of the Virginia Military Institute at Lexington, 
in Virginia, is founded on a fund arising from the sales 
of land given by the general government many years ago 
to the Territory of Orleans for the establishment of a 
Seminary of Learning. The principal of this fund is, 
by the constitution of Louisiana, perpetually invested, 
at interest, in the hands of the state; the interest alone 
to be used in the establishment and maintenance of the 
school. 

The really beautiful building for this institution, the 
main bodies of which are of three lofty stories, capped 
by a heavy cornice-wall finished in crennel work, and 
the five towers are of four stories, terminating in circu- 
lar turrets, built on three sides of a quadrangle, one 
hundred and seventy feet front by one hundred and sev- 
enteen feet deep, with back buildings in reverse, so as 
to leave the fourth side of the area entirely open, is lo- 
cated in the open pine hills, where the trees have a 
growth of seventy-five feet and upwards to the branches, 
unobstructed by undergrowth, on a tract of four hun- 
dred acres owned by the institution; about three miles 
from the village of Pineville, on the north side of Red 
River opposite to the town of Alexandria, with which 
it is connected by a steam-ferry. 

Alexandria- distant about thirty to thirty-five hours 



22 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

by steamboat from New Orleans - is a distributing post 
office, with a daily mail from New Orleans, and lines of 
four-horse post coaches running north, south, east, and 
west from it -contains a Catholic, an Episcopal, and a 
Methodist Church, the Episcopal Church having a 
chapel in Pineville. 

Early in 1859 Sherman was a member of the law firm of 
Sherman, Ewing and McCook of Leavenworth, Kansas. Hav- 
ing decided to look for a more lucrative position, he wrote to 
the War Department asking about possible vacancies in the Pay 
Department. In reply Major D. C. Buell sent to him the ad- 
vertisements given above, and the following letter. 

Washington, D.C., June 17, 1859. 

DEAR Sherman: I received your letter this morning. 
It is unnecessary to make declarations when you already 
know so well that it would give me sincere pleasure to 
serve you. At present I see nothing of the kind you 
mention to suggest to you, but I will look about with 
hope that I may. There is no certainty of a vacancy in 
the Pay Department, though one of its members is now 
in serious difficulty about his account. If a vacancy 
should occur I know no reason why you should not en- 
deavor to secure it, and succeed, too, if it were depen- 
dent on the merits which your case could be made to 
present. 

You must remember, however, that in these times 
everything turns on political or other influence. If you 
can bring that kind of influence to bear on the President 
let it be done at once to secure a promise of the first 
vacancy; for it would be filled before I could even get 
the news to you by telegraph after it had occurred, so 
ready and pressing are the aspirants. . . 

In the meantime, however, I enclose you a paper 
which presents an opening that I have been disposed to 



SHERMAN COMES SOUTH 23 

think well of. The only trouble is that the Academy has 
not yet been secured by state laws, though I think it al- 
together probable that it will be. If you could secure 
one of the professorships and the superintendency, as I 
think you could, it would give the handsome salary of 
$3,500. The paper is sent to me by [George] Mason 
Graham, General [R. B.] Mason's half-brother, and ex- 
plains the whole matter. If you think well of it I have 
no doubt I can write him such a letter as will secure you 
a valuable advocate at first, and a useful supporter after- 
wards. You will observe there is not much time to 
spare. . . 

[Endorsement by Sherman in 1889.] This was the 
first suggestion received by me on this subject, and to 
Gen. Buell I owe my election as superintendent of the 
Louisiana Seminary of Learning. He was seconded by 
Gen. G. Mason Graham, half-brother to my old chief in 
California, Col. R. B. Mason. Generals Bragg and 
Beauregard did not even know I was an applicant. 

W. T. S.] 

The advertisements attracted much attention and nearly a 
hundred applications for professorships were received. General 
Graham, vice-president of the Board of Supervisors, who was 
determined that a military man should head the school, had 
carried on a wide correspondence with a view to the selection of 
a suitable person. Having decided upon Sherman as best quali- 
fied for the superintendency he proceeded to use the press in his 
behalf. The following, from the Louisiana Democrat [Alex- 
andria, La.] of July 20, 1859, is an editorial written by General 
Graham. 

It is stated that Captain W. T. Sherman is one of the 
applicants for a professorship in our new State Semi- 
nary, and also for the position of the superintendency. 
He graduated at West Point in the class of 1840 and 
stood No. 6 on the merit roll. He was commissioned in 



24 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

the artillery and did his first service in California as 
adjutant-general for General R. B. Mason. He was 
brevetted for gallant and meritorious services and was 
subsequently appointed a captain in the general staff of 
the army. He resigned in '53 to take control of the 
business of an extensive banking house in California 
which he managed with great skill. During his resi- 
dence there he was made general of militia. Captain 
Sherman is spoken of as "standing high in the army as a 
scholar, soldier, and a gentleman - a man of great firm- 
ness and discretion and eminently remarkable for his 
executive and administrative qualities. 

From what we can hear there seems to be no room to 
fear an insufficient number of applicants for professor- 
ships in the Seminary. The greater the list the better 
enabled will the Board of Supervisors be to make a 
good selection. It is to be hoped that the reputation, 
learning and ability of the corps of professors will be 
such as to render our new Seminary one of the fore- 
most institutions of the South. 

The supervisors, on August 2, 1859, proceeded to the elec- 
tion of the first faculty of the Seminary. The Louisiana Dem- 
ocrat of August 3 gives this account of the proceedings. 

Agreeably to adjournment the Board of Supervisors 
of the Louisiana State Seminary met on Monday, Aug. 
1st. His Excellency, Governor WicklifTe, president ex 
officio of the Board, presided. The members in atten- 
dance were T. C. Manning, Esq., Gen. G. Mason Gra- 
ham, Col. Walter O. Winn, S. W. Henarie, Esq., Hon. 
M. Ryan, Hon. P. F. Keary, Hon. J. A. Bynum, Hon. 
W. W. Whittington, Hon. W. L. Sanford, Col. Fenelon 
Cannon. 

The principal business before the Board was the se- 
lection of a superintendent and a corps of professors for 
the Seminary. Some idea of the difficulty of their task 



SHERMAN COMES SOUTH 25 

may be formed from the fact that there were forty ap- 
plicants for the chair of ancient languages, twenty for 
that of mathematics, nine for that of modern languages, 
nine for that of chemistry and mineralogy, and three for 
that of engineering. 

These applicants were from all sections, Maine, New 
Hampshire, the northwest, Kentucky, Virginia, 
Georgia; and even graduates of European universities 
were among the candidates. One enterprising person, a 
Mr. Goodwyn, Ichabod Goodwyn, was candid enough 
to acknowledge himself a "republican" ("Black Re- 
publican" in politics, but trusted that the little circum- 
stance would make no difference!) Mr. G. will have 
his name registered in the list of unsuccessful candidates. 
The Board would have admired his candor if they had 
not been astonished at his impudence. Mr. G. would be 
a splendid superintendent of a brass button manufac- 
tory. Teachers enough for the young men of Louisiana 
can be found without employing any of Greeley's braz- 
en faced disciples. We shall refer to Mr. Goodwyn's 
application again hereafter. 

After full examinations of certificates, the Board 
made choice of the following: 

Major W. T. Sherman, superintendent, and professor 
of engineering, architecture, and drawing; Anthony 
Vallas, PH.D., professor of mathematics and of natural 
and experimental philosophy; Francis W. Smith, A.M., 
professor of chemistry and mineralogy; E. Berte St 
Ange, professor of modern languages ; D. F. Boyd, A.M., 
professor of ancient languages. 

Of Major Sherman's qualifications, we have spoken 
in a recent issue. Dr. Vallas, is a graduate of the Uni- 
versity of Pesth, Hungary, in which institution he has 
filled with distinction a professor's chair. He is the 
author of several scientific and mathematical works 



26 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

held in high estimation. Mr. Smith is a graduate of the 
Virginia University, and also of the Military Institute 
of that state. Mr. St. Ange, 1 is a native of France, and 
has served with distinction as an officer in the French 
navy. He has taught in the University of Louisiana, 
and for some time also in this Parish. Being known to 
most members of this Board as a thorough instructor 
his election was unanimous. Mr. Boyd is a graduate of 
the University of Virginia, and like the rest highly rec- 
ommended for proficiency and talent. 

The traditional account of Sherman's election was written 
down nearly forty years later by D. F. Boyd from whose manu- 
script the paragraphs given below are taken. 

[Sherman's] application for position in the Military 
Academy was characteristic of him. When Governor 
Wickliffe and the Board of Supervisors met on the hot, 
sultry summer day in 1859, to make the faculty appoint- 
ments, there were many applications ; and after they had 
waded through a mass of testimonials - flattering words 
of loving, partial friends, genealogies, etc. - such hand- 
some nothings as only enthusiastic southerners can say 
of each other, and of their ancestors for generations 
back, when an office is in sight, a half-sheet letter was 
opened and read about to this effect: 

Governor Wickliffe, president, Board of Supervisors. 

Sir: Having been informed that you wish a superintendent 
and professor of engineering in the Military Academy of Louis- 
iana, soon to be opened, I beg leave to offer myself for the posi- 
tion. 

I send no testimonials. . . I will only say that I am a 
graduate of West Point and ex-army officer; and if you care to 
know further about me, I refer you to the officers of the army 
from General Scott down, and in your own state to Col. Braxton 
Bragg, Major G. T. Beauregard, and Richard Taylor, Esq. 
Yours respectfully, W. T. Sherman. 

1 A graduate of Charlemagne College, Paris. — Ed. 




The first Faculty 

(i) William Tecumseh Sherman; (2) Powhatan Clarke; 

(3) Anthony Vallas; (4) D. F. Boyd; (5) Francis W. Smith 

Dr. Clarke's portrait is of 1910; the others are of i860. No portrait of Professor 

St. Ange can be found 



SHERMAN COMES SOUTH 29 

No sooner was this letter read, than Sam. Henarie, a 
plain business man and member of the Board, ex- 
claimed: "By G — d, he's my man. He's a man of 
sense. I'm ready for the vote!" "But," said Governor 
Wickliffe, "we have a number more of applications. 
We must read them all." "Well, you can read them," 
rejoined Henarie, "but let me out of here, while you are 
reading. When you get through, call me, and I'll come 
back and vote for Sherman." Sam heard no more "tes- 
timonials." Sherman was elected. . . 

To the successful applicants for positions the governor sent 
formal notices of appointment while General Graham entered 
into a lengthy correspondence with the newly elected superin- 
tendent in regard to the work that was still to be done before 
opening. Typical letters are here selected. 

GOVERNOR ROBERT C. WICKLIFFE TO W. T. 
SHERMAN 

Executive Office, Baton Rouge, La., Aug. 5, 1859. 

Sir: I have the pleasure to inform you that at a 
meeting of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminary of 
Learning, held at Alexandria on the 1st of August, you 
were elected to fill the chair of professor of engineering, 
architecture, drawing, etc., and as superintendent of the 
institution. 

You will please inform me at what time, between this 
and the first of December, it will be convenient for you 
to meet a committee of the Board of Supervisors, to 
make necessary arrangements for the organization of 
the institution. 

G. MASON GRAHAM TO W. T. SHERMAN 

Steamboat Minnesota, descending Red River, La., 
August 3, 1859. 
Sir: I have the gratification to inform you, in ad- 
vance probably of your official notification by Gov. 



3 o SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

Wickliffe, that the Board of Supervisors of the Semi- 
nary of Learning, State of Louisiana, yesterday elected 
you to the chair of engineering, architecture, and draw- 
ing in that institution, and to the post of superintendent 
thereof. . . 

I am now en route to join my family at Beer-Sheba 
Springs, Tennessee, where I shall remain until the last 
days of August and thence to Washington City all the 
month of September. My address there will be to 
"care Richard Smith, Esq., cashier, Bank of the Me- 
tropolis." Hope to be at home by first of November, 
where from the ist to the ioth, shall be glad if you can 
join me, making the headquarters of your family at my 
house, where we have abundant room, but are nine miles 
distant from Alexandria, thirteen from the Seminary. 

If entirely convenient and comfortable to your family, 
however, to remain behind, it would be wisest for you 
to come down alone at first, as there are no residences 
yet provided, and you will all have to quarter at first in 
the building. Yourself and Dr. Vallas are the only two 
married men on the Academic Board, and the Board of 
Supervisors has taken the initiatory for the creation of 
two dwellings, but it requires the authorization of the 
legislature, which assembles on the 3rd Monday in 
January. 

It will be necessary for you to be here as soon as pos- 
sible after my own return, as the preparation for, and 
the starting of, the whole machinery has been devolved 
mostly on you and myself, including the furnishments 
of the building, as you will see from the published ac- 
counts of our proceedings which will be forwarded to 
you (apropos: the statement in the governor's advertise- 
ment that "furnished apartments will be provided the 
professors in the building" was an error of our secre- 



SHERMAN COMES SOUTH 



3i 



tary's. It should have read "Apartments will be fur- 
nished the professors in the building free of charge 
therefor " le meublant of them however to be left to 
themselves). 

I enclose to your address at Leavenworth, to be 
mailed with this in New Orleans, a packet containing 
four publications from the Virginia Military Institute, 
one of them a copy of its "Rules and Regulations," so 
that in devoting in advance, what leisure moments you 
may have to the preparation of your plans, you may 
have the experience of our model before you. 

If an article in the Daily National Intelligencer of 
Monday, July 4th, headed "Louisiana Seminary" met 
your eye, you will have gathered from it a pretty exact 
idea of its locale. A little ground plan which I have 
endeavored to make amidst the tremulous motion of the 
boat, and enclose here, will enable you to form some 
idea of the capacity of the Building. 




FLAN °- FIRST FL00R 



32 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

Doctor Vallas is an Episcopal clergyman (which 
quality he sinks entirely, that is, in the exercise of it, so 
far as the institution is concerned), an Hungarian, an 
accomplished gentleman, an erudite scholar, a profound 
and practised mathematician and doctor of philosophy. 
Has occupied various chairs in the colleges of Vienna 
and at the time of the establishment of the Revolution- 
ary Government in Hungary, was professor of mathe- 
matics in the University at Pesth, in which capacity he 
was ordered by that Government to organize a military 
department to the University in which he superintended 
the instruction of about five hundred young men for two 
years, when the Austrians recovering possession of 
Pesth he was dismissed from the Military school and 
was himself court-martialed. Saving his head, they only 
removed his body from the office of professor of the 
university, and altho' there is satisfactory evidence that 
he might have been restored to that position, he pre- 
ferred a voluntary expatriation. He resides in New 
Orleans, readily at hand. 

Monsieur St. Ange seems to be a gentleman and well 
educated scholar -has served in the Marine Corps of 
France. Is in Alexandria. 

David F. Boyd, an eleve of the University of Vir- 
ginia and native of that state, is now teacher in a school 
in the northerly part of Louisiana. He, too, is there- 
fore readily at hand. 

Francis W. Smith, native of Virginia and eleve of its 
military institute, is a very young man, a nephew of both 
Col. Smith, the superintendent, and of Major William- 
son, one of the professors in the V.M.I. He comes 
strenuously recommended as eminently qualified to fill 
any chair in our school, except that of modern lan- 
guages, being only a French scholar. Is now at Lexing- 
ton, Virginia or Norfolk, where his family reside. 



SHERMAN COMES SOUTH 33 

In concluding this long, and to me wearying paper, I 
beg to say to you that much is expected of you - that a 
great deal will devolve upon you, and to add that at our 
Board dinner yesterday, Governor Wickliffe with great 
cordiality and kind feeling proposed your health and 
success, and that it was responded to by the other mem- 
bers in brimming glasses. 

P.S. If you know Mr. and Mrs. A. I. Isaacs, now I 
think residing in Leavenworth, they can tell you all 
about our country here. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Lancaster, O., Aug. 20, 1859. 

Dear Sir: I wrote you a few days ago, in part an- 
swer to your very kind note addressed me at Lancaster. 
I am now in possession of your more full letter sent 
by way of Leavenworth, and shall receive to-day the 
printed reports to which you referred. 

These will in great measure answer the manifold 
questions propounded by me. When in full possession 
of these I will again write you, and when I know you are 
at Washington, I may come there to meet you, and to 
make those preliminary arrangements as to furnishing 
the building, selecting text books, etc., all of which will 
no doubt have to be approved by the Board of Educa- 
tion in Louisiana. 

I can easily secure from West Point the most complete 
information on all the details of the management and 
economy of that institution. Then, being in possession 
of similar data from the Virginia Institution, we can 
easily lay a simple foundation, on which to erect, as 
time progresses, a practical system of physical and men- 
tal education, adapted to the circumstances of Louis- 
iana. I shall not take my family south this winter, and 
shall hold myself prepared to meet you at Alexandria, 



34 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

or elsewhere, at the earliest date you think best. I feel 
deeply moved by your friendly interest in me, and both 
socially and in the new field hereby opened to me I will 
endeavor to reciprocate your personal interest and justi- 
fy your choice of a superintendent. 

I have seen a good deal of the practical world, and 
have acquired considerable knowledge, but it may be 
desultory, and may require some time to reduce it to 
system, and therefore I feel inclined to see the Board 
of Education B select a good series of practical books as 
textbooks. 

If this has already been done, I will be the better 
pleased; if this devolve on the professors it will require 
some judgment to adjust them, lest each professor 
should attempt too much, and give preference to text- 
books not intimately connected with the other classes. 
The adjustment of the course of studies, the selection of 
the kind and distribution of physical, muscular educa- 
tion, and how far instruction in infantry, sword and even 
artillery practice shall be introduced are all important 
points, but fortunately we have a wide field of choice, 
and the benefit of the experience of others. As soon as I 
learn you are in Washington, and as soon as I know all 
that has been done, I will give my thoughts and action 
to provide in advance the knowledge out of which the 
Board of Education may choose the remainder. 

G. MASON GRAHAM TO W. T. SHERMAN 

Willard's Hotel, Washington, Sept. 7, 1859. 
Dear Sir: On arriving here night before last I had 
the pleasure to receive from Mr. Richard Smith your 
two favors of the 15th and 20th of August, and Major 
Buell, with whom I have not been able to meet until this 
morning at breakfast, has shown me yours to him of the 

5 Board of Supervisors of the Seminary. — Ed. 



SHERMAN COMES SOUTH 35 

4th inst. which he was in the act of opening when I 
joined him, and from which he has allowed me to take a 
memorandum of the dates of your proposed movements. 
The information contained in your letter to Buell has 
been of considerable relief to me, for whilst it would be 
very gratifying to me to meet with you I did not see any 
good commensurate with the expense, time, risk, and 
trouble to yourself, to result from your coming all the 
way here merely to confer with me when it was not in 
my power to specify any particular day when I would 
be in the city, as the business which brings me here lies 
down in Virginia, whither I go tomorrow morning, if 
the violent cold under which I am now suffering shall 
permit, and the consummation of it is contingent on the 
action of a half dozen others than myself. 

I had desired very much, if it suited your conven- 
ience, that you could visit and see into the interior life 
of the school at Lexington, Virginia, where everything 
would be shown to you with the most cordial frankness 
by Col. Smith, who has taken the warmest and most 
earnest interest in our effort, and who writes to me of 
you, sir, in very high terms of congratulatory apprecia- 
tion, and where one of your classmates, Major Gilham, 
is a member of the Academic Board. 

In the event that this will not be practicable to you, as 
I infer from the programme laid down in your note to 
Major Buell it will not be, I shall write to Col. Smith 
asking him to give us all necessary information of de- 
tails not contained in the "Rules and Regulations" the 
preparation of the code of which for our school is con- 
fined to the joint action of "the faculty" and "A Com- 
mittee consisting of Messrs. Manning, Graham, and 
Whittington." I would rather have had the Board 
adopt for the present the code of the Virginia school, 
because under the Governor's resolution, about which 



36 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

he did not confer with me beforehand, it cannot well be 
done until on or about the ist of January, when it ought 
to be done in advance. I do not see therefore that we 
can do otherwise than adopt, at first, the code of that 
school. I have no apprehension but that whatever you, 
Mr. Manning and myself may agree upon, will be ac- 
ceptable to all the rest. 

In regard to "furnishing" the building there will not 
be much trouble. My idea will be for each cadet to 
furnish his own requisites in the way of room furni- 
ture, as at West Point. There will then be nothing to 
furnish but the class-rooms, the kitchen and mess hall - 
as I believe I mentioned to you before, the statement in 
the Governor's advertisement that "furnished apart- 
ments would be provided in the building for the pro- 
fessors," was an error of our not very clear-headed 
secretary. The intention of the Board was simply to 
apprize all interested that there were no separate dwell- 
ings for the professors. . . 

I met with Mr. F. W. Smith 6 in Richmond and 
travelled with him to this place. He is about sailing 
for Europe to be back the ist of December. All my 
anticipations of him fully realized. I cannot close 
without mentioning that in a visit to the convent in 
Georgetown yesterday my sister (Mary Bernard) 
poured out her joy on learning (to do which she en- 
quired with great eagerness) that the superintendent of 
our school was the husband of that "one of all the girls 
who have passed through our hands here that I believed 
I loved best and was the most deeply interested in." 7 

In regard to "authority and control," although it is 

6 The newly elected commandant of cadets and professor of chemistry. — Ed. 

7 Mrs. Sherman was educated in a Georgetown, D.C., convent in which 
General Graham's sister was a teacher and later Mother Superior. — Ed. 



SHERMAN COMES SOUTH 37 

not yet exactly so, I hope the next session of the legis- 
lature will place our school on precisely the same foot- 
ing as the Virginia school, making the superintendent 
the commanding officer of the corps of cadets, giving 
to him and the other members of the Academic Board, 
rank in the State's military organization. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Lancaster, Ohio, Sept. 7, 1859. 

Dear Sir: I am now in full possession of all docu- 
ments sent to my address at Leavenworth including the 
papers containing the printed proceedings of the Board 
of Supervisors of August 2. I have written to you 
twice at Washington, but suppose you are not well ar- 
rived, and as I find it best somewhat to qualify my offer 
to come East, and visit with you the Virginia Institute, 
I write you again. 

I have written Governor Wickliffe that I will be at 
Saint Louis, Oct. 20 and at Baton Rouge Nov. 5, pre- 
pared to meet the committee of supervisors, or the 
academic faculty at any time thereafter he may appoint. 
But it may be more convenient for that committee to 
meet at once in Alexandria or at the institute [Semi- 
nary] itself, so that I can be there at any date after Nov. 
5, which may prove agreeable to all parties. 

To-morrow I will go to Frankfort, Kentucky, to be 
present at the opening of the session of the Kentucky 
Military Institute and I will remain long enough to 
see for myself as much of the practical workings of that 
institute as possible. Colonel Morgan in charge will, 
I know, take pleasure in making me acquainted with 
all details that I may desire to learn. 

From Kentucky I shall return to this place, and 
about the 25th inst. I will go to Chicago, where I expect 
to meet Captain McClellan of the Illinois Central 



3 8 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

Railroad, who a few years since visited many of the 
European establishments, and who can therefore give 
me much information. I will then go to Leavenport 
and afterward St. Louis delaying at each point a short 
while, but you may rest perfectly certain that I will be 
on hand, when the committee meets and that I will ac- 
quire as much practical knowledge of organization as 
possible in the meantime. 

I hope you will find it both pleasant and convenient 
to visit the Virginia Military Institute and that you will 
make inquiries that will be of service - thus ascertain 
the exact price of each article of dress, and furniture 
furnished the cadets, price of each text-book - how sup- 
plied, cost of black-board, drawing-board, mathemati- 
cal instruments, drawing-paper, paints, pencils, etc. 
The name of the merchant who supplied them. Have 
they a single store, like an army suttler who keeps sup- 
plies on hand, and whose prices are fixed by the Aca- 
demic Board, or does their quartermaster provide by 
wholesale and distribute to cadets charging them? Are 
all cadets marched to mess hall? Do they have regular 
reveille, tattoo and taps? 

Can we not select a dress more becoming, quite as 
economical, and better adapted to climate than the grey 
cloth of West Point and Virginia? 

It occurs to me that climate will make it almost nec- 
essary to make modifications of dress, period of study, 
drill, and even dates of examinations. This may all 
be done without in the least impairing that systematic 
discipline which I suppose it is the purpose to engraft 
on the usual course of scientific education. 

Ascertain if possible, the average annual expense of 
each cadet - clothing, mess hall, books, paper, etc., lights 
fire, and washing and tuition. 



SHERMAN COMES SOUTH 39 

I will try and ascertain similar elements in Kentucky 
and elsewhere, so that we may begin with full knowl- 
edge of the experience of all others. Should you write 
me here the letters will be so forwarded as to meet me 
with as little delay as possible. 

Sherman's views on slavery, politics, etc., were moderate. 
Had he taken an active part in public affairs he would probably 
have been an Old Line Whig. His brother John was already 
noted as an anti-slavery Republican. Just before leaving for 
Louisiana Major Sherman wrote to his brother urging him to 
take a moderate position on sectional questions. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO JOHN SHERMAN 

Lancaster, Ohio, Sept., 1859. 

I will come up about the 20th or 25th, and if you 
have an appointment to speak about that time, I should 
like to hear you, and will so arrange. As you are be- 
coming a man of note and are a Republican, and as I 
go south among gentlemen who have always owned 
slaves, and probably always will and must, and whose 
feelings may pervert every public expression of yours, 
putting me in a false position to them as my patrons, 
friends, and associates, and you as my brother, I would 
like to see you take the highest ground consistent with 
your party creed. . . 

October, 1859. 

Each State has a perfect right to have its own local 
policy, and a majority in Congress has an absolute right 
to govern the whole country; but the North, being so 
strong in every sense of the term, can well afford to be 
generous, even to making reasonable concessions to the 
weakness and prejudices of the South. If southern rep- 
resentatives will thrust slavery into every local ques- 
tion, they must expect the consequences and be out- 
voted; but the union of states and general union of sen- 



4 o SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

timent throughout all our nation are so important to 
the honor and glory of the confederacy that I would 
like to see your position yet more moderate. 

During the summer while at Lancaster, Sherman wrote to 
several officers of the army with whom he had been associated, 
asking for their views on certain problems of military school 
organization. The following letter from Captain George B. 
McClellan is the only one that has been preserved. It was taken 
from the Seminary in 1864 by an officer of Gen. Banks's army 
and was returned to Louisiana State University in 1909. It 
bears the following endorsement by Sherman: "Capt. McC. 
went to Sebastopol and reported to our government. He spent 
more than a year in Austrian, Russian, and English camps and is 
a gentleman of singular intelligence." 

GEORGE B. McCLELLAN TO W. T. SHERMAN 

Illinois Central Railroad Company, Vice Presi- 
dent's Office, Chicago, Oct. 23, 1859. 

My dear Sir: I regret exceedingly that I have so 
long delayed replying to yours of the 30th, ult. I hope 
this will reach you at Baton Rouge in time to serve your 
purposes, and must beg you to consider my rather multi- 
farious duties as my excuse for the delay; in truth I was 
desirous of taking some little pains with my reply, and 
it has been difficult for me to find the time. 

I think with you that the blue frock coat, and felt hat 
with a feather, with perhaps the Austrian undress cap, 
will be the most appropriate uniform, the grey coatee 
is rather behind the age. 

If the academy is in the Pine Barrens, it would seem 
that the period from September 1 to June 20, with the 
two examinations you speak of, would answer every 
purpose. It would be almost impossible to have an 
encampment, I should suppose, yet you might in a very 
few days teach them how to pitch tents, and the more 



SHERMAN COMES SOUTH 41 

important parts of camp duty, such as guard duty, con- 
struction of field kitchens and ovens, huts for pioneers, 
etc. 

You will find in Captain Marcy's new book The 
Prairie Traveller a great deal of invaluable information 
in reference to camps, taking care of animals, etc., on 
the prairies. I think you would find it worth while, if 
not to make it a text book, to require or advise to students 
to procure copies. It is a book they will read with 
great interest and profit -it fills a vacuum of no little 
importance. 

I think I have at home the plates belonging to the 
French "Instruction pour l'enseignement de la Gymnas- 
tique." This will give you all the information you need 
as to the appliances required for a gymnasium. The 
title is Instruction pour l'enseignement de la Gymnas- 
tique dans les corps de troupes et les etablissements mil- 
itaire (Paris, I. Dumaine). 

If my copy is lost I would advise you to import it. 
There is also a very good little work published by Du- 
maine, called Extrait de I'Instruction pour l'enseigne- 
ment de la Gymnastique, etc., par le Capitaine C. 
d'Argy. 

In addition to the regular instruction in the infantry 
and artillery manuals, I would by all means have daily 
practice in the gymnasium, or fencing with the foil and 
bayonet, and the same exercise at least half an hour a 
day ought to be devoted to this. 

With regard to the course of instruction necessary to 
lay the foundation for a thorough knowledge of engi- 
neering, I do not think that the general course at West 
Point can be materially improved upon. We have all 
felt the want of practical instruction on certain points 
when we left West Point -e.g. in the actual use of in- 
struments, both surveying and astronomical, topography 



42 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

and field sketches, railway engineering, etc. - but it is 
impossible to do everything in a limited time, and I 
would suggest that you follow in the main the West 
Point course, retrenching a little from some of the high- 
er branches and adding a little to the practical instruc- 
tion. 

I know of no complete work on the construction of 
railways, it is thus far essentially a practical business. 
Collum and Holley's work on European Railways con- 
tains some valuable information. Lardner on the Steam 
Engine, Parbour on the Locomotive and Steam Engine, 
Collum on the Locomotive are all useful. Borden's 
Formula for the Location and Construction of Rail- 
roads, Haupt on Bridge construction, Moseley's Me- 
chanical Engineering, Edwin Clarke on the Brittania 
and Conway Tubular Bridges, Arolis series of Rudi- 
mentary treatise on Engineering, etc., are all of value. 

I regret that I am rather pushed for time tonight, as 
I would have liked to write more fully, but I start for 
St. Paul in the morning and must do the best I can in a 
limited time. If I can give you any further informa- 
tion it will afford me great pleasure to do so at any time. 
With my best wishes for your success in Louisiana, I am 
very truly yours, Geo. B. McClellan. 

In October, 1859, Sherman started for Louisiana but stopped 
at St. Louis to attend to business affairs and to visit friends. 
From here he wrote to General Graham and from Cairo and 
Baton Rouge he wrote to Mrs. Sherman who, it was decided, 
could not go to Louisiana until the superintendent's house should 
be built. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

St. Louis, Mo., Sunday, Oct. 23, 1859. 

Dear Sir: . . . It is absolutely impossible for 

me to leave here before Thursday of this week, the 27th, 



SHERMAN COMES SOUTH 43 

as I have some old matters of business here which I have 
put off until now. I was delayed two or three days by 
the low water of the Missouri. Therefore, however 
much I would like to be with you on the "Lizzie Sim- 
mons," I must not attempt it. 

I will, if there be any faith in steamboats, be at Baton 
Rouge, Nov. 5 and I suppose I have made a mistake in 
promising to see the governor at all, instead of the com- 
mittee of trustees, to whom is left the preparation of 
things ; still, as I have written the governor to that effect, 
I must do so, but will not delay an unnecessary moment, 
but hurry on to Alexandria and there meet the com- 
mittee. 

Knowing, as you do, the rates of travel, you can better 
form a judgment when I can reach your Alexandria; 
and if your committee will have progressed in their work 
they may go on, with a certainty that I will zealously 
enter on any task they may assign me. It seems to me 
no time is to be lost in preparing regulations and cir- 
culars for very wide circulation among the planters 
whose sons are to be cadets. 

But we will soon meet and go to work, and I begin 
to feel now that we have a noble task and are bound to 
succeed. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO MRS. SHERMAN 

Steamer L. M. Kennett [at Cairo], Saturday, Oct. 
29, 1859. 

. . . Should my health utterly fail me or abolition 
drive me and all moderate men from the South, then we 
can retreat down the Hocking and exist until time puts 
us away under ground. This is not poetically expressed 
but is the basis of my present plans. 

I find southern men, even as well informed as 

as big fools as the abolitionists. Though Brown's whole 



44 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

expedition proves clearly that [while] the northern peo- 
ple oppose slavery in the abstract, yet very few [will] 
go so far as to act. Yet the extreme southrons pretend 
to think that the northern people have nothing to do 
but to steal niggers and to preach sedition. 

John's 8 position and Tom's 9 may force me at times 
to appear opposed to extreme southern views, or they 
may attempt to extract from me promises I will not 
give, and it may be that this position as the head of a 
military college, south may be inconsistent with decent 
independence. I don't much apprehend such a state of 
case, still feeling runs so high, where a nigger is con- 
cerned, that like religious questions, common sense is 
disregarded, and knowledge of the character of man- 
kind in such cases leads me to point out a combination 
of events that may yet operate on our future. 

I have heard men of good sense say that the union 
of the states any longer was impossible, and that the 
South was preparing for a change. If such a change 
be contemplated and overt acts be attempted of course 
I will not go with the South, because with slavery and 
the whole civilized world opposed to it, they in case 
of leaving the union will have worse wars and tumults 
than now distinguish Mexico. If I have to fight here- 
after I prefer an open country and white enemies. I 
merely allude to these things now because I have heard 
a good deal lately about such things, and generally that 
the Southern States by military colleges and organiza- 
tions were looking to a dissolution of the Union. If 
they design to protect themselves against negroes and 
abolitionists I will help; if they propose to leave the 
Union on account of a supposed fact that the northern 

8 John Sherman. — Ed. 

9 Thomas Ewing Jr., brother of Mrs. Sherman. — Ed. 



SHERMAN COMES SOUTH 45 

people are all abolitionists like Giddings and Brown 
then I will stand by Ohio and the northwest. 

I am on a common kind of boat. River low. Fare 
eighteen dollars. A hard set aboard; but at Cairo I 
suppose we take aboard the railroad passengers, a better 
class. I have all my traps safe aboard, will land my 
bed and boxes at Red River, will go on to Baton Rouge, 
and then be governed by circumstances. 

The weather is clear and cold and I have a bad cough, 
asthma of course, but hope to be better tomorrow. I 
have a stateroom to myself, but at Cairo suppose we will 
have a crowd; if possible I will keep a room to myself 
in case I want to burn the paper 10 of which I will have 
some left, but in case of a second person being put in I 
can sleep by day and sit up at night, all pretty much the 
same in the long run. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO MRS. SHERMAN 

Baton Rouge, Sunday, November 6, 1859. 
I wrote you from the Kennett at Cairo - but not from 
Memphis. I got here last night about dark, the very 
day I had appointed, but so late in the day that when I 
called at the governor's residence I found he had gone 
to a wedding. I have not yet seen him, and as tomor- 
row is the great election day of this state I hear that he 
is going down to New Orleans to-day. So I got up 
early, and as soon as I finish this letter, I will go again. 

I have been to the post-office and learn that several 
letters have come for me, all of which were sent to the 
governor. Captain Ricketts of the army, commanding 
officer at the barracks, 11 found me last night, and has 
told me all the news, says that they were much pleased 

10 Nitre paper burned to relieve asthma. — Ed. 

II The United States military post at Baton Rouge. - Ed. 



46 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

at my accepting the place, and that all place great re- 
liance on me, that the place at Alexandria selected for 
the school is famous for salubrity, never has been visited 
by yellow fever and therefore is better adapted for the 
purpose than this place. He thinks that I will have one 
of the best places in the country, and that I will be 
treated with great consideration by the legislature and 
authorities of the state. I will have plenty to do be- 
tween this and the time for opening of school. I have 
yet seen nobody connected with the school and suppose 
all are waiting for me at Alexandria, where I will go 
tomorrow. . . 



II. PREPARING FOR THE OPENING OF THE 
SEMINARY 

First impressions of the Red River Valley. General Graham. The Sem- 
inary Building. Preparations to be made. Finances of the school. Servants 
and laborers. Welcome from Braxton Bragg. Sherman's account of his first 
weeks in Louisiana. He goes to the Seminary to live. Making rules for the 
Seminary. The work at the Seminary. The Seminary location. Sherman at 
work on the regulations. The difficulty of procuring text-books. Governor 
Moore on educational conditions in Louisiana. Meeting of the supervisors. 
Opposition to the military system. Professors notified to come to the Seminary. 
Two factions in the Board of Supervisors. Purchase of supplies in New Or- 
leans. Danger that John Sherman's political course may embarrass W. T. 
Sherman in Louisiana. Helper's Impending Crisis. Sherman's views on slav- 
ery "are good enough for this country." Appointment of cadets. Braxton 
Bragg on Seminary affairs. Ready for the opening of the Seminary. Lack 
of dwelling houses near the Seminary. Slavery and politics. Final prepara- 
tions for opening. Sherman and the negro servants. 

After a short stay in Baton Rouge for the purpose of consult- 
ing Governor Wickliffe, Sherman went to Alexandria. The 
newspapers that mentioned his coming were crowded with news 
of the John Brown raid and the trial of Brown and his fol- 
lowers. If Sherman had a sense of humor he probably sent 
copies of the Louisiana Democrat to his brother John. To Mrs. 
Sherman he wrote on November 12 giving his first impressions 
of Louisiana. 

Alexandria, La., Sunday, Nov. 12 [1859]. 
I wrote you a hasty letter yesterday whilst the stage 
was waiting. General Graham and others have been 
with me every moment so that I was unable to steal a 
moment's time to write you. I left the wharf boat at 
the mouth of Red River, a dirty, poor concern where I 
laid over one day, the stage only coming up tri-weekly, 
and at nine o'clock at night started with an overcrowded 
stage, nine in and two out with driver, four good horses, 



48 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

Troy coach, road dead level and very dusty, lying along 
the banks of bayous which cut up the country like a net 
work. Along these bayous lie the plantations rich in 
sugar and cotton such as you remember along the Mis- 
sissippi at Baton Rouge. 

We rode all night, a fine moonlight, and before break- 
fast at a plantation we were hailed by Judge Boyce who 
rode with us the rest of the journey. His plantation is 
twenty-five miles further up, but he has lived here since 
1 826 and knows everybody. He insisted on my stopping 
with him at the plantation of Mr. Moore, who is just 
elected governor of Louisiana for the coming four years, 
and who in that capacity will be President of the Board 
of Supervisors, who control the Seminary of Learning, 
and whose friendship and confidence it is important I 
should secure. He sent us into town in his own car- 
riage. Alexandria isn't much of a town, and the tavern 
where I am, Mrs. Fellow's, a common rate concern, as 
all southern taverns out of large cities are. Still I have 
a good room opening into the parlor. 

General Graham came in from his plantation nine 
miles west of this, and has been with me ever since. At 
this moment he is at church, the Episcopal. He will 
go out home tonight and to-morrow I go likewise, when 
we are to have a formal meeting to arrange some rules 
and regulations, also agree on the system of study. He 
is the person who has from the start carried on the bus- 
iness. He was at West Point, but did not graduate, but 
he has an unlimited admiration of the system of disci- 
pline and study. He is about fifty-five years, rather 
small, exceedingly particular and methodical, and alto- 
gether different from his brother, the general. 12 

The building is a gorgeous palace, altogether too good 

12 General R. B. Mason, Sherman's commanding officer in California. — Ed. 



f 

o 



en 

H 



§ H 
3 C/3 



3- 25 

a. 3 

™ as 

a O 




PREPARING FOR THE SEMINARY OPENING 51 

for its purpose, stands on a high hill three miles north 
of this. It has four hundred acres of poor soil, but fine 
pine and oak trees, a single large building. Like most 
bodies they have spent all their money on the naked 
building, trusting to the legislature for further means 
to provide furniture, etc. All this is to be done, and 
they agree to put me in charge at once, and enable me 
to provide before January 1 the tables, desks, chairs, 
blackboards, etc., the best I can in time for January 1, 
and as this is a mere village I must procure all things 
from New Orleans, and may have to go down early next 
month. But for the present I shall go to General Gra- 
ham's tomorrow, be there some days, return here and 
then remove to the college, where I will establish myself 
and direct in person the construction of such things as 
may be made there. 

There is no family near enough for me to board, so I 
will get the cook who provides for the carpenters to give 
me my meals. 

It is the design to erect two buildings for the profess- 
ors, but I doubt whether the legislature will give any 
more, $135,000 having already been expended. The 
institution, styled by law the Seminary of Learning, has 
an annual endowment of $8,100, but it is necessary for 
the legislature to appropriate this annually, and as they 
do not meet till the third Monday in January, I don't 
see how we can get any money before hand. I think 
when the appropriation is made, however, my salary 
will be allowed from November 1. 

When I first got here it was hot, but yesterday it 
changed, and it is now very cold. I have a fire here, 
but several windows are broken, and the room is as cold 
as a barn, and the lazy negroes have to be driven to 
bring in wood. 



52 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

I expect plenty of trouble from this source, the high 
wages of servants and the necessity to push them all 
the time to do anything. I would hire whites, but sup- 
pose it would be advisable and good policy to submit to 
the blacks for the present. 

On arrival here I found your and Minnie's 13 letters, 
seven days in coming, which is better time than I ex- 
pected. Mails come here tri-weekly by stage by the 
route I came. . . 

Braxton Bragg, formerly captain of the artillery company in 
which Sherman was a lieutenant during the forties, wrote from 
his plantation welcoming his old comrade to Louisiana. 

NEAR THIBODAUX, La., November 13, 1859. 

My dear Sherman: It was a great pleasure to re- 
ceive your note from Baton Rouge, and I sincerely hope 
that we may soon meet. I should have written to you 
at once on seeing your election to the important position 
you are to fill, but did not know where to find you. The 
announcement gave me very great pleasure, though my 
influence to some extent was given against you, never 
dreaming you could be an aspirant. I had united with 
many gentlemen in New Orleans to recommend Profess- 
or Sears, with whom I have no acquaintance, but sim- 
ply on the ground of his being a graduate of West Point. 
Indeed, my letter was general, and might have applied 
to any graduate. Had I known your application I 
should have attended personally to forward your wishes. 
But as it is all is well. 

Since seeing your appointment I have taken pains to 
try and advance the institution, and several friends speak 
of sending their sons. Whatever is in my power will be 
most cheerfully done for your personal interest, and for 
the institution generally. We must meet, but it is im- 

13 Sherman's eldest daughter. — Ed. 



PREPARING FOR THE SEMINARY OPENING 53 

possible for me to leave home now. Until nearly Christ- 
mas I shall be overrun with business, or rather confined 
by it. We are in the midst of [sugar] manufacturing, 
and a cold spell is now on us which inflicts a heavy loss 
every day lost. I even work on Sunday from this time 
to the end. 

At home I have leisure, and am most happy to see 
friends. Kilburn," who is stationed in the city, [is] com- 
ing tomorrow to spend a few days. Why can't you do 
so? You can take dinner with me after breakfast in the 
city. Kilburn can put you in the way, should you have 
time to come down. I heard something of your mis- 
fortunes, 15 and sympathised most deeply with you, but 
it is not too late for a man of your energy and ability to 
repair such a disaster. 

Your institution I hope will prove a success. It is 
fairly endowed and has strong and enthusiastic friends. 
Among them you will find the master spirit my friend, 
General G. Mason Graham. My acquaintance with 
him was very short, but very agreeable. Friendships 
formed under the enemy's guns ought to last. 16 I knew 
he liked me, and I admired his gallantry and devotion. 
Present my regards to him. You may safely trust to his 
friendship. Our new governor 1T will be your friend, 
too. He is a plain man, but of excellent character, bus- 
iness habits and very large fortune, placing him above 
temptation and demagogery. Your professor of mathe- 
matics, a foreigner, 18 is very highly spoken of ; the others 
I do not know. 

Mrs. Sherman and the little ones are not with you I 

14 An officer in the commissary department, United States Army. — Ed. 

15 The failure of the banking firms with which Sherman had been connected. 

-Ed. 

16 Bragg and Graham had served together in the Mexican War. -Ed. 

17 Thomas O. Moore who was to take office in January, i860. — Ed. 

18 Dr. Anthony Vallas, an Hungarian. — Ed. 



54 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

suppose from your not mentioning them. We should 
be most happy to see them when they come to join you. 
In the meantime, when you can see enough to form any 
plan, let me hear from you again, and when and where 
we may meet. About January i, I expect to be in Baton 
Rouge. 

Accept my cordial wishes for your success, and hap- 
piness. 

About the time of the arrival of the new superintendent the 
Louisiana Democrat [Nov. IO, 1859] had the following edi- 
torial notices of the Seminary and its officers. 

We would respectfully ask it as a special favor from 
our contemporaries in other parishes and in the city 
that they would notice the fact that the Louisiana State 
Seminary will go into operation on the first day of the 
incoming new year. The magnificent building, large 
enough to accommodate a fine company of cadets, is 
now nearly ready for their reception. One of the pro- 
fessors, Dr. Anthony Vallas, the distinguished author of 
valuable mathematical works, arrived some days ago. 
Major Sherman, the superintendent, is on his way hither 
and all the accomplished corps will be on the ground in 
ample season to aid in organizing this new institu- 
tion. . . The institution will in all probability be 
completely organized before the day fixed for the initia- 
tion of its active career of usefulness. 

Applications for cadetships or admission as pupils 
must be addressed to the Board of Supervisors through 
its president and directed to this place, and not to indi- 
vidual members of the Board. Applicants must be fif- 
teen years of age, and residents of Louisiana. Cadets 
are to be appointed by the Board in equal numbers from 
the several senatorial districts. There being thirty-two 
senatorial districts and the Seminary building being ca- 



PREPARING FOR THE SEMINARY OPENING 55 

pable of accommodating one hundred and sixty cadets 
the proportion will be about five appointments from each 
District. . . 

The unrivalled salubrity of its location, the conven- 
ience and elegance of its chief building, the munificent 
donation from the federal government which secures its 
independent support, and a full corps of teachers of 
eminent attainments and superior capacity for instruc- 
tion, will combine to place the Military Seminary of 
Louisiana among the first seats of learning in the South. 

We note with pleasure that a distinguished officer of 
the U.S. Army, a graduate of West Point and a Creole 
of Louisiana, Major Beauregard, of New Orleans, has 
already made application to the Board for the appoint- 
ment of two sons as cadets. This appreciation of our 
new state institution on the part of this worthy officer is 
significant. . . 

Sherman in his Memoirs [vol. i, 172] gives a more connected 
account of the first weeks of his work in Louisiana, from his 
arrival in Baton Rouge on November 5 to November 18 when 
he moved to the Seminary building in order to supervise the 
completion of the carpenter's work and the equipment of the 
building. 

In the autumn of 1859, having made arrangements for 
my family to remain in Lancaster, I proceeded, via 
Columbus, Cincinnati, and Louisville, to Baton Rouge, 
Louisiana, where I reported for duty to Governor Wick- 
liffe, who, by virtue of his office, was the president of 
the Board of Supervisors of the institution over which 
I was called to preside. He explained to me the act of 
the legislature under which the institution was founded ; 
told me that the building was situated near Alexandria, 
in the Parish of Rapides, and was substantially finished ; 
that the future management would rest with a Board of 



56 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

Supervisors, mostly citizens of Rapides Parish, where 
also resided the governor-elect, T. O. Moore, who would 
soon succeed him in his office as governor and president 
ex officio ; and advised me to go at once to Alexandria, 
and put myself in communication with Moore and the 
supervisors. 

Accordingly I took a boat at Baton Rouge, for the 
mouth of Red River. The river being low, and its nav- 
igation precarious, I there took the regular mail-coach, 
as the more certain conveyance, and continued on toward 
Alexandria. I found, as a fellow-passenger in the coach, 
Judge Henry Boyce, of the United States District Court, 
with whom I had made acquaintance years before, at 
St. Louis, and, as we neared Alexandria, he proposed 
that we should stop at Governor Moore's and spend the 
night. Moore's house and plantation were on Bayou 
Robert, about eight miles from Alexandria. We found 
him at home, with his wife and a married daughter, and 
spent the night there. He sent us forward to Alexandria 
the next morning, in his own carriage. 

On arriving at Alexandria, I put up at an inn, or 
boarding-house, and almost immediately thereafter went 
about ten miles farther up Bayou Rapides, to the plan- 
tation and house of General G. Mason Graham, to 
whom I looked as the principal man with whom I had 
to deal. He was a high-toned gentleman, and his whole 
heart was in the enterprise. He at once put me at ease. 
We acted together most cordially from that time forth, 
and it was at his house that all the details of the Semi- 
nary were arranged. 

We first visited the college-building together. It 
was located on an old country place of four hundred 
acres of pine-land, with numerous springs, and the 
building was very large and handsome. A carpenter, 
named James, resided there, and had the general charge 



PREPARING FOR THE SEMINARY OPENING 57 

of the property; but, as there was not a table, chair, 
black-board, or anything on hand, necessary for a be- 
ginning, I concluded to quarter myself in one of the 
rooms of the Seminary, and board with an old black 
woman who cooked for James, so that I might person- 
ally push forward the necessary preparations. There 
was an old rail-fence about the place, and a large pile 
of boards in front. I immediately engaged four car- 
penters, and set them at work to make out of these boards 
mess-tables, benches, black-boards, etc. I also opened 
a correspondence with the professors-elect, and with all 
parties of influence in the state, who were interested in 
our work. 

In November a committee of the Board of Supervisors met 
with Sherman, Vallas, and St. Ange to make regulations for the 
government of the school and to arrange a course of study. The 
name "Louisiana State Seminary of Learning and Military 
Academy" was adopted. Several expressions in Sherman's cor- 
respondence indicate that he considered the name a monstrosity. 
A circular dated November 17, prepared by Sherman, was sent 
out by Governor Wickliffe announcing the approaching opening 
of the school. 

During November Sherman was busied at the Seminary ur- 
ging the construction work to completion, clearing the building of 
rubbish and getting it ready for equipment. In his correspondence 
with Mrs. Sherman and General Graham he describes his daily 
occupations. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO MRS. SHERMAN 

Alexandria, Seminary of Learning, Nov. 19, 1859. 

Since my last I have been out to General Graham's 

who has a large plantation on Bayou Rapides, nine miles 

from Alexandria. There met Graham and Whitting- 

ton, 19 and Sherman, Vallas, and St. Ange, professors, 

19 Graham and Whittington were delegated by the supervisors to assist 
the committee of the faculty in drawing up rules. — Ed. 



58 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

to make rules for the new institution after the model of 
the Virginia Military Institute. We took their regula- 
tions, omitted part, altered other and innovated to suit 
this case, and as a result I have it all to write over and 
prepare for the printer. 

Yesterday I moved my things out and am now in the 
college building, have taken two rooms in the southwest 
tower and shall make the large adjoining room the 
office, so as to be convenient. There are five carpenters 
employed here and I take my meals with them. 

It is only three miles to Alexandria. I walked out 
yesterday, and in this morning; but Captain Jarreau, 
who is appointed steward, lent me a horse for the keep- 
ing, so that hereafter I will have a horse to ride about 
the country; but for some days I will have writing 
enough to do, and afterwards may have to go down to 
New Orleans to buy furniture, of which the building is 
absolutely without, being brand new. The weather has 
been excessively dry here, but yesterday it rained hard 
and last night it thundered hard. Today was fine clear 
and bright like Charleston. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Seminary of Learning, Alexandria, Nov. 21, 1859. 
Dear General: . . . The entire article you call 
Mr. Boyce's 20 was written by me rather hastily, and has 
some typographical errors which I will take the liberty 
to correct, though I wrote it rather to give Mr. B. the 
substance of an article from himself, but he inserted it 
without change, making it rather meagre and curt. Still 
what we need is publicity as soon as possible. I think 
all the appointments should be made absolutely and fi- 
nally by say December 10, that we may know the num- 
ber of books and articles absolutely requisite by that 

20 Boyce was editor of the Red River American. — Ed. 



PREPARING FOR THE SEMINARY OPENING 59 

date. By that time we can know exactly what may be 
procured here and what of necessity must come from 
New Orleans. 

I will keep a note of my ferriages, which I prefer, as 
it is unsafe to trust the account of the ferryman. If the 
Board think I am entitled to my salary from November 
1 then I would not ask renumeration, but if all salaries 
are by law, or propriety, fixed for January 1, then I 
would ask simply reimbursement of actual outlays, to 
which end I will keep a note of my expenses. 

I have been to see Mr. Manning, Dr. Smith, Mr. 
Ryan, and Henarie 21 several times and will renew my 
visits and on all proper occasions will touch on the points 
suggested. If we have, say one hundred at the start it 
might be well to open with a speech say from Mr. Man- 
ning himself, and if Governor Moore could also be 
present, it would have a good effect and convince these 
gentlemen that we want the development of as much 
literary talent as possible. 

For my part I am willing that as much time may be 
given to literary pursuits as the Board of Supervisors 
may prefer. It will in no wise interfere with the mili- 
tary rule. Only what mathematical studies we do un- 
dertake let us make them thorough and not superficial. 
I have a couple of letters, one from Major Barnard, a 
very distinguished scholar and major of engineers, writ- 
ten in a very bad hand, which I send with this, for you 
to decipher if possible. I enclose also for your perusal 
one from Gilmore and Bragg. 

I have had such absolute control of business for some 
years, that I find myself running off with the bit in my 
teeth. I ask you as a friend to check me if you see me 
usurping the province of the directory. 

21 Members of the Board of Supervisors. — Ed. 



60 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

W. T. SHERMAN TO MRS. SHERMAN 

Seminary of Learning, Alexandria, Nov. 25, 1859. 

I am still out here at the Seminary, pushing on the 
work as fast as possible, but people don't work hard 
down here. The weather has been warm and spring- 
like, but tonight the wind is piping and betokens rain. 
This is Friday. I have been writing all week, the regu- 
lations, and have been sending off circulars - indeed ev- 
erything is backward, and it will keep us moving to be 
ready for cadets January 1. The Board of Supervisors 
are to meet on Monday, and I will submit to them the 
regulations and lists of articles indispensably necessary, 
and I suppose I will be sent to New Orleans to make the 
purchases. 

The planters about Alexandria are rich but the town 
is a poor concern. Nothing like furniture can be had. 
Everybody orders from New Orleans. General Graham 
is at his plantation nine miles from Alexandria and 
twelve from here. I get a note from him every day 
urging me to assume all responsibility as he and all the 
supervisors are busy at their cotton or sugar. 

I believe I have fully described the locality and the 
fact that although the building for the Seminary is in 
itself very fine, yet it is solitary and alone in the country 
and in no wise suited for families. Of course I will 
permit no family to live in the building. There hap- 
pens to be one house about one-fourth mile to the rear, 
belonging to one McCoy in New Orleans, but that is 
rented by Mr. Vallas, the professor of mathematics, 
who now occupies it with his family, wife and seven 
children. They are Hungarians and he is an Episcopal 
Clergyman, but his religion don't hurt him much. He 
seems a pleasant enough man, fifty years old, fat, easy 
and comfortable. . . They have an Irishman and 



PREPARING FOR THE SEMINARY OPENING 61 

wife as servants and have plenty of complaints. The 
house is leaky and full of holes, so that they can hardly 
keep a candle burning when the wind is boisterous. In- 
deed the house was built for summer use and calculated 
to catch as much wind as possible. The design is to ask 
the legislature to appropriate for two professors' houses 
for Vallas and ourselves. 

If they appropriate I will have the building and will 
of course see to their comfort, but I will make no calcu- 
lations until the amount is settled on. I fear the cost 
of the building will deter the legislature from appro- 
priating until the institution begins to make friends. 

The new governor, Moore, lives near Alexandria and 
will be highly favorable to liberal appropriation. We 
have fine springs of pure water all round, and I doubt 
not the place is very healthy. Indeed there is nothing 
to make it otherwise unless the long hot summers create 
disease. I am now comparatively free of my cough 
and am in about usual condition - have to burn nitre 
paper occasionally. It is very lonely here indeed. No- 
body to talk to but the carpenters and sitting here alone 
in this great big house away out in the pine wood is not 
cheerful. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Seminary, Nov. 25, 1859. 
Dear General: Young Mr. Jarreau is now here 
and says his wagon is near at hand, with a quarter of 
mutton for Mr. Vallas and myself. As I am staying 
with "carpenters' mess," I thank you for the favor and 
will see that Mr. Vallas gets the whole with your com- 
pliments. Work progresses slow, but sure. I have the 
regulations done and several other papers ready for the 
meeting Monday. As time passes, and Mr. Vallas is 
not certain that he can get one hundred copies of Alge- 



62 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

bra at New Orleans I have ordered them of the pub- 
lisher in New York. . . 

Please let Mr. St. Ange give you the title of his text 
books, grammar and dictionary. All other text books, 
ought to be approved by the Academic Board, but as 
that can't assemble in time, we must take for granted 
that these preliminary books are absolutely required in 
advance. I take it for granted the particular grammar 
and dictionary can be had in New Orleans. . . 

To Thomas Ewing, his father-in-law, Sherman wrote on 
November 27, in regard to the Seminary and about educational 
conditions in Louisiana. 

A minority of the Board of Supervisors was opposed to the 
military system of government which was championed by General 
Graham. This opposition which gave trouble to Graham and 
Sherman is hinted at in the letter from Graham to Governor 
Wickliffe given below. Public opinion supported Graham's 
policy. This is indicated by the two newspaper editorials from 
the Madison Democrat and the Louisiana Democrat, which are 
typical press notices. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO THOMAS EWING 

Seminary of Learning, near Alexandria, La., Nov. 

27, 1859. 

Dear Sir: . . . Congress granted to Louisiana 
long ago, some thirty years, certain lands for a Seminary 
of Learning. These lands have been from time to time 
sold and the state now holds the money in trust, giving 
annually the interest sum $8100. 

The accrued interest and more too has been expended 
in an elegant structure, only too good and costly for its 
purpose and location. The management has after a 
series of changes devolved on a Board of Supervisors, 
composed of fourteen gentlemen of whom the governor 
is ex-officio president and the superintendent of public 
education a member. These have selected five profes- 



PREPARING FOR THE SEMINARY OPENING 63 

sors to whom is entrusted the management of the Semi- 
nary. The state has imposed the condition of educating 
sixteen free of charge for rent, tuition, and board. . . 

This building is three miles from Alexandria in a 
neighborhood not at all settled, as the land here is poor 
and unfit for cultivation, all the alluvial land being on 
the south side of the Red River. There are therefore 
no houses here or near for families, and to remedy this 
an appropriation will also be asked to build two suitable 
houses for the married professors, Vallas and myself. 

Governor Moore, just elected for four years, says that 
all educational attempts in Louisiana hitherto failed, 
mostly because religion has crept in and made tho 
schools and colleges sectarian, which does not suit the 
promiscuous class who live here. He doubts whether 
at the start the legislature will feel disposed to depart 
from recent custom of refusing all such applications, 
but doubts not if we can for a year or two make good 
showing, and avoid the breakers that have destroyed 
hitherto endowed colleges, that this will be fostered and 
patronized to a high degree. 

I shall therefore devote my attention to success, be- 
fore I give my thoughts to personal advantage; and I 
find too much reliance is placed on me. I have no doubt 
I can discipline it and maybe control the system of 
studies to make it a more practical school than any here- 
abouts. And as parents are wealthy and willing to pay 
freely it may be we can get along for a time with little 
legislative aid further than we can claim as a right. 

A small balance of the last appropriation still remains 
which I am now expending on the necessary furniture, 
and the Board of Supervisors being now in session at 
Alexandria I expect they will send me to New Orleans 
to procure the necessary outfit, in which case I will go 



64 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

down the latter part of this week, being absent about 
ten days. Red River is now low, still boats go and come 
with considerable regularity. 

I met to-day among the Board of Supervisors a rem- 
nant of the old congressional times, Jesse A. Bynum, a 
little dried up old man, who moved to Louisiana from 
North Carolina, and who has a horror of an abolition- 
ist. I was told he was angry at my election, because he 
thought all from Ohio were real abolitionists, but to-day 
he was unusually polite to me, and told me much of his 
congressional experience. . . Yours affectionately, 

W. T. Sherman. 

G. MASON GRAHAM TO GOVERNOR WICKLIFFE 

Alexandria, Nov. 30, 1859. 

DEAR Sir: . . . Only six members of the Board 
of Supervisors convened on Monday 28th and the same 
number again on yesterday. Dr. [S. A.] Smith was 
sick, but his presence would not have made a quorum. 
So we did nothing- only talked. There was this done 
however; that as the only means of getting the money 
from Doctor Smith with which to prepare the building 
for the reception and accommodation of cadets, I gave 
him my individual obligation to hold him harmless, 
which we all thought a rather unnecessary piece of fas- 
tidiousness on the part of the Doctor. . . 

Major Sherman will now go to New Orleans on Sat- 
urday to make the requisite purchases. . . 

I was also requested in the same capacity, to call an- 
other meeting of the Board for Saturday, Dec. 10th, 
which I have done, but do not anticipate any different 
result, as Mr. Sanford is in Virginia. 

As it is manifest that Mr. Henry Gray will never at- 
tend any of our meetings, I wish very much that you 
would oblige us by at once appointing Doctor Lewis 



PREPARING FOR THE SEMINARY OPENING 65 

Magruder in his stead. He is a gentleman of education 
and intelligence, a son-in-law of Mr. R. C. Hynson, 
stirring, active man, with a growing family, and will 
make a good and attentive member, is a warm advocate 
for the military feature of the school, to injure which in 
indirect modes the two or three opponents of it in the 
Board are now making efforts. If you can at once dis- 
patch an appointment to Doctor Magruder, it will reach 
him in time for the next meeting, and greatly relieve me, 
for I cannot make head against Manning and Smith, 
with Ryan 22 playing "fast and loose" between us all the 
time. 

FROM THE MADISON DEMOCRAT, NOVEMBER, 1859 

[The State Seminary] is to be conducted upon a plan 
similar to that of the Virginia Institute at Lexing- 
ton. . . This is a move in the right direction. Our 
legislators have, for once, at least, acted with a view of 
promoting the moral as well as the intellectual advance- 
ment of the people of the state. 

Every father in the Parish of Madison, who has a 
son over fifteen years of age, that can read and write 
well, and can perform with facility and accuracy the 
various operations of the four general rules of arithme- 
tic .. . should at once send him to the Louisiana 
Seminary of Learning, even if he should be compelled 
to mortgage his plantation to pay the annual expense of 
four hundred dollars. . . 

We heartily rejoice that a military school of a high 
grade has been established in our state, because we know 
that military discipline only can make a school effective 
for good in this, our perverted age, when almost every 

22 Judge T. C. Manning, Dr. S. A. Smith, and Michael Ryan, all members 
of the Board. Manning and Smith were the chief opponents of the military 
system. — Ed. 



66 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

youth scarcely out of his teens considers himself inde- 
pendent of all moral restraint, and at liberty to do as he 
pleases. 

Military schools make the pupil not only a soldier, 
ready to defend our rights and our institutions, but they 
impart, by the principle of subordination upon which 
they are conducted, a moral training, which will im- 
press him with the conviction that in order to be able, 
at some future day, to command, it is indispensably 
necessary to learn first how to obey. 

FROM THE LOUISIANA DEMOCRAT, NOVEMBER, 1859 

Over fifty applicants for cadetships have been re- 
ceived and warrants issued for them. This, with other 
appointments, will insure an opening number of about 
seventy-five, and we feel confident that ere this session 
shall have closed the buildings will be filled. There 
were some misgivings, early in the fall, that the State 
Seminary would not be ready to commence operation 
on the first of January, but it is now settled, and every- 
thing is prepared that the institution will open on the 
day mentioned. 

[The faculty] have been selected from over eighty ap- 
plicants marked for distinguished merit and ability, 
and, as far as we are competent to judge from a short 
personal acquaintance, we honestly assure all parents, 
guardians, or others who may have charge of the edu- 
cation of youth, that if their sons or wards are placed in 
the State Seminary, if they are capable, they will be re- 
turned to them thorough scholars. 

We would also, in this connection, disabuse the pub- 
lic, or at least a portion of it, of the idea that a school 
organized upon a military basis must needs make only 
soldiers. It is a false notion that because a youth is com- 
pelled to be methodical, to learn to obey, and at the 



PREPARING FOR THE SEMINARY OPENING 67 

same time, keep his self-respect, that all this is to be 
done at the sacrifice of time which should be devoted to 
study. A military school differs from other colleges, in 
a single, but very material particular, only: the time 
which is generally given up to the student to be used in 
any manner his natural proclivities may suggest is, in 
the State Seminary, economized in the shape of military 
duty, and though it may at first work a little harsh, yet 
after a time, with a proper thinking youth, it becomes a 
pleasure, and as it does not in any measure interfere 
with his scholastic duties, we do not see why any ob- 
jection could or should be made against it -certainly it 
does not detract from the merits of any gentleman to be 
considered to have a savoir faire in the matter of hand- 
ling arms. 

The late events 23 which have, in some degree, agitated 
the public mind certainly indicate the necessity of each 
slave-holding state encouraging and supporting at least 
one military school within its own limits. We know 
that others of the Southern States have made it a matter 
of such consideration that these institutions are looked 
upon as a chief feature in their defensive material. Vir- 
ginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, the Carolinas, Georgia, 
Mississippi, Texas, and of late Missouri have all appro- 
priated certain sums for the establishment of like insti- 
tutions and in Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee these 
schools have for a period of years been working with 
complete success. 

If we admit the facts, and certainly we can consistent- 
ly do so, where they are self-evident, that such establish- 
ments are necessary and that the terms of scholar and 
soldier are not incompatible, then the success of our 
State Seminary is no problem. . . 

The plan upon which the State Seminary is to be 

23 The John Brown raid into Virginia. — Ed. 



68 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

worked is so methodical that it will be found to be the 
cheapest school in the country. We don't mean cheapest 
in an immediate dollar and cent signification, but cheap- 
est because of the paramount advantages it offers. A 
youth's time is so regulated that dissolute and expensive 
habits cannot be contracted. Expensive dress, dogs, 
horses, billiards, etc., will certainly be myths with a 
cadet at the State Seminary, and parents will find that 
in the end they will have saved a considerable item in 
this particular. In most colleges, the modern languages, 
drawing, book-keeping, etc., are charged as extras . . . 
which when paid for as such at the termination of a 
four years' course, will be found to amount to quite one- 
third of the regular tuition. . . The particular loca- 
tion of the school, three miles from this place, is a matter 
of some moment. The cadets cannot be subjected to the 
malarious influences of the low lands of the river, as the 
buildings are situated on an elevated stretch of table 
land, surrounded by a healthy growth of pine forest, to- 
gether with the best of water. There cannot be any pos- 
sible chance of an epidemic reaching any of its inmates; 
though we may be visited, as any part of the state is more 
or less liable, by an epidemic disease, still we confidently 
believe that with anything like consistent precaution the 
State Seminary will always escape. . . 

About a month before the opening, Sherman notified the pro- 
fessors elect to be on hand before the appointed time. The fol- 
lowing letter was sent to Professor Boyd, who was then ill at 
Mt. Lebanon, Louisiana. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO D. F. BOYD 

Seminary of Learning, near Alexandria, Nov. 27, 

1859. 
DEAR Sir: Mr. Manning tells me that he has written 

you that your presence here is not required till after 



PREPARING FOR THE SEMINARY OPENING 69 

Christmas. That may be, but it would seem to me better 
that we should all have been here at least a month 
earlier to confer, agree upon our textbooks, and pro- 
vide such of them in advance as will be necessary on the 
start. I have sent to New York for the mathematical 
textbooks, and will send to New Orleans for the French 
grammar at least; and I think you had better order at 
once from New Orleans the grammar you design to 
teach. I think much of our future success [depends] on 
the appearance of our start, and therefore any want of 
preparation at the outset would be embarrassing. With 
arithmetic, algebra, French and Latin grammar, we can 
at least begin at once, and then the Academic Board or 
faculty must as early as we can all come together, agree 
upon the entire course and textbooks, when by a system 
I can see that these textbooks are provided in advance. 

Little or nothing can be had in Alexandria, and I 
judge we will receive no part of our salaries till after 
the legislature meets and appropriates. Therefore I ad- 
vise you to prepare accordingly, and to bring with you 
such room furniture as you have that admits of transpor- 
tation. 

I am a stranger in these parts and confess my ignor- 
ance of your locality and station, and make the above 
points for your benefit. Applications for admission 
come in pretty freely, and I think early in January we 
will have from sixty to one hundred. 

Mr. Vallas and Mr. St. Ange are here, both foreign- 
ers. I shall, therefore, count much on your capacity of 
teaching and social qualities. Think well over the 
branches assigned to you, and on arrival give us the best 
course and textbooks you can select. I may have to go to 
New Orleans to provide for the tables, room furniture, 
etc., needed by the first of January. 



7 o SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

The controversy in the Board over the question of military 
government gave some concern to Sherman who, however, was 
not in favor of so severe a regime as was General Graham. He 
refers to the matter in the following letters to General Graham 
and to his wife. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Seminary, Friday, Dec. 2 [1859]. 

Dear General: I was in town [Alexandria] yester- 
day at 8 a.m. and waited till ten to prove the paper which 
we left with Mr. Boyce. I then got the first page and 
corrected it. He had not prepared the paper and would 
have to strike off the whole number of sheets of the first 
matter before trying the second page. I therefore as- 
sured myself that it was in proper order, and left Boyce 
to correct the second page and came out with Captain 
Jarreau. 

I think we have made fair progress now, and I have 
given Mr. James 24 written instructions with drawings of 
what remains to be done, and by my return from New 
Orleans I hope to see all the necessary tables, benches, 
desks, blackboards, stands, shelves, and hooks all done. 
I have one man cutting wood, and Jarreau promises 
another next Tuesday, so that I feel confident that we 
shall be more than ready by Christmas. 

I think also that in New Orleans I will be satisfied to 
depend on Alexandria for blankets of which both Rob- 
ertson and Henarie have a good supply at fair prices 
from $3.25 to $4.50 a pair. Same of brooms, glass tum- 
blers, assorted hand soap and castile soap. I think also 
we may depend on the Trechur for wash-basins and 
dippers. All else on my list I will try and bring up. I 
feel a little embarrassed by Mr. Ford's offer to make 
twenty-five or thirty mattresses without naming price. 
It would be better to have mattresses made uniformly by 

24 The contractor.— Ed. 



PREPARING FOR THE SEMINARY OPENING 71 

one responsible person, but as in case of accident to Mr. 
Ford and there being no other mattresses to be had in 
Alexandria I may purchase more than otherwise might 
seem prudent. 

In New Orleans, I will ascertain the price of every- 
thing needed by us in future, and then if persons in our 
neighborhood apply we can encourage the manufacture 
of about the quantity needed at standard prices. . . 

I generally have strong opinions on a subject of im- 
portance, but experience has taught me the wisdom of 
forbearance, and as the Board will again attempt to meet 
on the tenth during my absence, I will only say now 
that I listened to your argument and that of the other 
members with great interest. 

I have always believed that a Military Academy was 
only possible, when the state made present compensation, 
or held out future inducements, to compensate the cadet 
for the usual drills, guards, and restraints customary in 
such colleges, here and abroad. I doubt whether we 
could when cadets pay all expenses enforce that rigid 
obedience without which the system would become 
ridiculous. I am satisfied that we can make certain 
drills, guards, and military parades and exercise so 
manifestly advantageous to the cadets, that their own 
sense, judgment, and fancy will take the place of com- 
pulsion, and the course of studies being more practical, 
and useful, will be preferred by cadet and parent to the 
old routine of grammar and everlasting lexicon. 

As to the encampment, I think in the regulations there 
is no mention made of an encampment, nor do I recall 
any expression that would lead to it. Therefore they 
will need no amendment on that point. The Board can 
pass over the point in silence. If you are not fortified 
in the legislature it might also be wise to allow a few 
years to slide along till we have four classes of well 



72 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

drilled cadets. Let them at first have the vacation al- 
lowed in Kentucky, elsewhere, and at all literary col- 
leges. If our system of instruction be good, and if we 
take good pains to impress the cadets with our kindness, 
justness, fairness, and give them a manly bearing, good 
ideas of truth, honor, and courtesy, and withall teach 
them practical wisdom, by going home they will spread 
the good seed, and actually serve the cause of the insti- 
tution in its infancy, better than they could in the mere 
routine duties of a camp. I do not think an encampment 
necessary to our course of instruction, nor does it seem to 
me prudent to prevent cadets from going home; if such 
be the custom, and if their parents desire it. I don't 
think Captain Jarreau 25 will object as his contract runs 
for only six months, and longer if we are all satisfied. 
My idea is to make all things conspire to the economy, 
cleanliness, good order, and proper instruction of those 
cadets, till we naturally pass into the system which is to 
last, for some system "must endure." 

Should the legislature of this state determine to put an 
arsenal here, the necessity of a guard is then patent and 
she would naturally offer to pay us, and make it to our 
interest to guard her property, afford a safe place for 
arms, rendezvous, and safety for this at present remote 
district of valuable country. We would then have a 
good necessity, a good reason for an encampment, which 
now would be a mere naked ceremony. Nevertheless 
my theory is that the Board must legislate, and I will 
try to execute their resolves and policy. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO MRS. SHERMAN 

Seminary of Learning, Alexandria, La., Dec. 2, 

1859. 
. . . Last Monday there was a meeting of the 

25 The Seminary steward. — Ed. 



PREPARING FOR THE SEMINARY OPENING 73 

Board of Supervisors called but the governor could not 
come, and consequently there was no quorum and the 
Board had to work informally. They could not adopt 
the regulations, but called another meeting for Decem- 
ber 10. I attended the meeting and found they were 
willing to vest me with ample powers but they will be 
embarrassed in their finances unless the legislature help 
or unless we have more students than we now expect. 
We shall prepare for one hundred, but sixty are as many 
as I expect. I will have no teaching to do this year un- 
less I choose, but will have all the details of discipline 
and management. 

I found that there are two distinct parties in the 
Board - one in favor of a real out and out military col- 
lege and another who prefer a literary seminary, only 
consenting to the military form of government. The 
former party led by General Graham, want a continuous 
course, without vacations, as at West Point, the summer 
vacations to be taken up with a regular encampment. 
This would keep me here all the time until everything 
had settled down into such a fixed system that I could go 
away. I can hardly forsee how it will turn out but for 
the present believe we will have a summer vacation of 
two months, during which I can come to Ohio. 

The legislature meets the third Monday in January, 
soon after which we will discover their temper and 
whether they will be willing to build any buildings for 
the professors, but I believe they will not, as I notice a 
hesitation to ask it and unless it be asked and urged very 
strongly of course they will not appropriate. All kinds 
of labor, building especially, costs so much that though 
the state as such is liberal, yet they cannot answer half 
the calls made on them for such purposes. 

I am lonely enough out here alone in this big house, 



74 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

but will have plenty to divert me the next two weeks, and 
afterwards, the session will be so near at hand with new 
duties and new things. I suppose my patience will be 
tested to its utmost by a parcel of wayward boys. 

After seeing the Seminary building put in order, Sherman 
went to New Orleans to purchase supplies. The remote situa- 
tion of the school was a source of constant irritation to the fac- 
ulty and students. The following letter to General Graham 
shows how difficult it was to get the necessary equipment for a 
school in the back woods of Louisiana. 

New Orleans, La., Sunday, Dec. 12 [1859]. 

Dear General: . . . Late last night I got the 
dispatch that the books have been shipped; so I think 
we may safely count on them in time. I could only 
after long search find four of the French grammars 
required by Monsieur St. Ange. So of necessity had to 
telegraph for one hundred. The steamer leaves New 
York to-day and ought to be here the 22nd and at Alex- 
andria by the 1st - rather close cutting for us. 

All other things I have purchased here. Many things 
went on Friday by the "Rapides." I will bring some 
tomorrow in the "Telegram" and balance will follow 
next week in the "Rapides." I have paid in full all bills 
but furniture and have paid $1,000 toward furniture 
out of about $1,500. I have drawn only $1,920, but will 
buy about $50 more of little odds and ends, and bring 
with me in cash to make up the $2,500. The balance 
will remain to your credit, and I think you had better 
meet me at the Seminary about Friday to examine the 
bills and receipts, to receive the cash I bring up, and to 
see the kind and quality of furniture. I hear your let- 
ter-press, book, brush, etc., cost about $13. You had 
better come with your buggy and receive it. It had, for 
convenience, to go with our packages. I have sent up a 
cooking range, cost $175, and want Jarreau forthwith 



PREPARING FOR THE SEMINARY OPENING 75 

to move one or more servants out to clean up and get 
ready. 

Many of these items of purchase were hard to find, 
and my time has been too much taken up to enable me 
to attempt to make acquaintances. I dined yesterday 
with your friends, the Frerets, who had many kind in- 
quiries for you. 

I have a drum and drummer, also a fife, but thus far 
have failed to get a tailor or shoemaker. I have exam- 
ined shoes, boots, clothing, cloth, etc., and know exactly 
how to order when the time comes. 

I have a letter from Bragg which I will show you ; he 
coincides with you in the necessity of making a military 
academy by law, and wants you to meet him in January 
at Baton Rouge. Our first paramount duty is to start 
on present economical basis and enlarge as means are 
provided. It is easy to increase, but hard to curtail. 
Unless it be convenient for you to come over, write me at 
the Seminary, to bring in your press, money, and ac- 
counts, and appoint a day and hour, for I must work 
smart as you know. 

The inflamed state of public sentiment in regard to the issues 
arising out of slavery caused Sherman much uneasiness. His 
brother John, then a candidate for the speakership of the House 
of Representatives, was bitterly opposed by the southern mem- 
bers of Congress because of his endorsement of Hinton Rowan 
Helper's Impending Crisis, an intemperate arraignment of the 
slaveholders. The following letters to Mrs. Sherman and to 
John Sherman refer to these matters. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO MRS. SHERMAN 

New Orleans, Sunday, Dec. 12. 

. . . I am stopping at the City Hotel which is 

crowded and have therefore come to this my old office, 

now Captain Kilburn's, to do my writing. I wish I were 

here legitimately, but that is now past, and I must do the 



76 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

best in the sphere in which events have cast me. All 
things here look familiar, the streets, houses, levees, 
drays, etc., and many of the old servants are still about 
the office, who remember me well, and fly round at my 
bidding as of old. 

I have watched with interest the balloting for speaker, 
with John as the Republican candidate. I regret he ever 
signed that Helper book, of which I know nothing but 
from the extracts bandied about in the southern papers. 
Had it not been for that, I think he might be elected, but 
as it is I do not see how he can expect any southern 
votes, and without them it seems that his election is im- 
possible. His extreme position on that question will 
prejudice me, not among the supervisors, but in the legis- 
lature where the friends of the Seminary must look for 
help. Several of the papers have alluded to the impro- 
priety of importing from the north their school teachers, 
and if in the progress of debate John should take ex- 
treme grounds, it will of course get out that I am his 
brother from Ohio, universally esteemed an abolition 
state, and they may attempt to catechize me, to which I 
shall not submit. 

I will go on however in organizing the Seminary and 
trust to the future; but hitherto I have had such bad 
luck, in California and New York, that I fear I shall be 
overtaken here by a similar catastrophe. Of course there 
are many here such as Bragg, Hebert, Graham, and 
others that know that I am not an abolitionist. Still if 
the simple fact be that my nativity and relationship with 
Republicans should prejudice the institution, I would 
feel disposed to sacrifice myself to that fact, though the 
results would be very hard, for I know not what else 
to do. 



PREPARING FOR THE SEMINARY OPENING 77 

If the Southern States should organize for the purpose 
of leaving the Union I could not go with them. If that 
event be brought about by the insane politicians I will 
ally my fate with the north, for the reason that the slave 
question will ever be a source of discord even in the 
South. As long as the abolitionists and the Republicans 
seem to threaten the safety of slave property so long will 
this excitement last, and no one can foresee its result ; but 
all here talk as if a dissolution of the Union were not 
only a possibility but a probability of easy execution. If 
attempted we will have Civil War of the most horrible 
kind, and this country will become worse than Mexico. 

What I apprehend is that because John has taken such 
strong grounds on the institution of slavery that I will 
first be watched and suspected, then maybe addressed 
officially to know my opinion, and lastly some fool in the 
legislature will denounce me as an abolitionist spy be- 
cause there is one or more southern men applying for 
my place. 

I am therefore very glad you are not here, and if 
events take this turn I will act as I think best. As long 
as the United States Government can be maintained in 
its present form I will stand by it; if it is to break up in 
discord, strife and Civil War, I must either return to 
California, Kansas or Ohio. My opinions on slavery are 
good enough for this country, but the fact of John being 
so marked a Republican may make my name so sus- 
pected that it may damage the prospects of the Semin- 
ary, or be thought to do so, which would make me very 
uncomfortable. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO JOHN SHERMAN 

New Orleans, Sunday, Dec. 12. 
Dear Brother: ... I have watched the des- 
patches, which are up to Dec. 10, and hoped your elec- 



78 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

tion would occur without the usual excitement, and be- 
lieve such would have been the case had it not been for 
your signing for that Helper's book. Of it I know noth- 
ing, but extracts made copiously in southern papers show 
it to be not only abolition but assailing. Now I hoped 
you would be theoretical and not practical, for practical 
abolition is disunion, Civil War, and anarchy universal 
on this continent, and I do not believe you want that. . . 
I do hope the discussion in Congress will not be pro- 
tracted, and that your election, if possible, will occur 
soon. Write me how you came to sign for that book. 
Now that you are in, I hope you will conduct yourself 
manfully. Bear with taunts as far as possible, biding 
your time to retaliate. An opportunity always occurs. 

To Professor Boyd whose illness had prevented him from com- 
ing to the Seminary, Sherman wrote from the school on De- 
cember 15, 1859, giving information in regard to the opening of 
the school, and the appointment of cadets. 

Seminary of Learning, Alexandria, Dec. 15, 1859. 

My DEAR Sir: ... I wrote you some time ago, 
addressed to Mount Lebanon, advising you to come on 
at once, to get in position before, we will be all in con- 
fusion by the arrival of the cadets. All the professors 
are now here at hand but yourself, and I think you 
should come on at once. I have just returned from New 
Orleans where I purchased all the room furniture for 
cadets, but I bought nothing for professors, and advise 
you to bring your bedding, indeed any furniture you 
may have, as Alexandria is a poor place to supply. I 
think you will be as comfortable here, and your health 
be restored as fast as anywhere in the state. All books 
must be ordered from New York. I found the supply 
in New Orleans very poor, and we want a list of your 
first text books, grammar, and dictionary as soon as pos- 



PREPARING FOR THE SEMINARY OPENING 79 

sible, that they may be ordered, but, as I suppose we can 
fully employ the students the first few months in French 
and Algebra, I will now await your coming. 

The want of certainty has caused many to doubt 
whether we could commence January 2, but you may 
announce that it is as certain as that the day will come. 
About thirty-four appointments have been made by the 
Board of Supervisors. I suppose sixteen will have been 
made by the governor. So you see thus far we have not 
an adequate supply of cadets. The right to appoint rests 
in the Board of Supervisors, but I know their views so 
well, and there being no time for formalities you may 
notify Mr. Gladney, and indeed any young men between 
fifteen and twenty-one, who can read and write, and who 
have some notion of arithmetic (addition, etc., as far as 
decimal fractions) to come on by January second and 
we will procure for them the appointment and receive 
them. 

Each young man should be of good character with a 
trunk and fair supply of clothing, and must deposit two 
hundred dollars for six months' expenses in advance. We 
think we can make the aggregate year's expenses fall 
within four hundred dollars. 

I wrote and sent you circulars to Mount Lebanon 
which I infer you did not receive. No cadet can be re- 
ceived except from Louisiana. 

Please state these leading facts to some prominent 
gentleman of your neighborhood, assure them that its 
success is determined on, and that as soon as the Academ- 
ic Board can meet, deliberate, and refer their work to a 
Board of Supervisors, full rules and regulations will be 
adopted, published and adhered to. Until that time we 
can hardly assert exactly what are our text books, or 
what the order of exercises. 



80 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

It is however determined that the Seminary shall be 
governed by the military system, which far from being 
tyrannical or harsh is of the simplest character, easiest 
of enforcement and admits of the most perfect control 
by the legislature. 

One of Sherman's strongest supporters in Louisiana was 
Braxton Bragg. He was greatly interested in the Seminary, was 
a strong advocate of the military system of discipline, and sympa- 
thized with Sherman's embarrassments due to the fact that he 
was a northern man and that his brother John was an anti-slavery 
leader. The following letter from Bragg to Sherman refers to 
these matters. 

Thibodeaux, La., December 16, 1859. 

My dear Sherman : I received your letter from the 
city. Had your visit only been a week later I could have 
met you, as my confinement is over for the present. My 
crop was finished on the 12th, and is by far the most 
profitable one I have made -giving me a net profit of 
$30,000 on an investment of $145,000. 

On the first Monday, January second, I intend in 
Baton Rouge to enter on the duties of an office to which 
I am just elected, "Commissioner of the Board of Pub- 
lic Works," a new office in this state, but the duties are 
old, have been discharged heretofore by swamp land 
commissioner, engineers, etc. The new board is to form 
a bureau for the general supervision and control of all 
state work, to appoint all officers and agents, etc. The 
duties are heavy, expenditures large (over $1,000,000 a 
year) and the patronage extensive. 

Peculations, frauds, swindling and ignorance all com- 
bined to render the previous system obnoxious, and I am 
told the new law was intended to clear off the whole 
debris, that a new state of affairs might be inaugurated. 
I did not and do not wish the office, as it gives no promi- 
nence and little compensation, but friends, principally 



PREPARING FOR THE SEMINARY OPENING 81 

Richard Taylor, son of the old general, pressed me to 
accept a nomination, as they could find no other man 
whose name could defeat the rogues. Under this pres- 
sure I gave up my privacy, and shall strive to inaugu- 
rate an honest administration of affairs. 

If I do no more I shall at least deserve the thanks and 
probably receive the maledictions of many who do not 
or will not understand the merits of my conduct. How 
long the duties will retain me in Baton Rouge on my 
first visit I can not foresee; but long enough I hope, to 
see many members of the legislature. I believe I have 
some influence with R. Taylor, 26 the senator from this 
district, and I will try to intrest him in the Seminary. 
He is a very plain, straightforward man, of great inde- 
pendence, candid, honest and clearheaded. Whatever 
he promises we may rely on, as he has great influence. I 
have but few others to look to as acquaintances now, ex- 
cept the senator from Terrebonne, F. S. Goode, who is 
like Taylor, and with whom I shall intercede. The 
representatives from this parish are very poor sticks and 
unreliable. 

We must try and secure an additional allowance or 
an appropriation to pay for the sixteen state cadets. I 
clearly see that you will need funds very soon, unless this 
can be done, for the people of the country are not yet 
sufficiently aware of the institution and its plan, etc., to 
patronize it beyond your suggestion. In time I have no 
doubt, if we can sustain it in its infancy, it will become 
popular and self-supporting. In the meantime, we 
must try to harmonize conflicting interests and opinions. 

We all aim at the same great end - to furnish the most 
suitable and most useful education to the rising young 
men of our state. High literary institutions are grow- 

28 Richard Taylor, son of President Taylor, later a confederate general. — Ed. 



82 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

ing up around us in every direction, but in the scientific 
and military we are sadly deficient. No class of people 
on the face of the earth are more dependent on science 
and discipline for success than the southern planters. 
Scan the whole area of our state and see what proportion 
of its capital and labor is devoted to science. See our 
levees, canals, for navigation and drainage; our steam- 
ers, our foundries, and last, our plantation machinery. 
Then apply this science to our soils, and see our woful 
deficiency and waste in our want of system in cultiva- 
tion. The very plantation is a small military establish- 
ment, or it ought to be. By military I don't mean the 
old fogy notion of white belts, stiff leather stocks and 
"palms of the hands to the front," but discipline, by 
which we secure system, regularity, method, economy of 
time, labor and material. 

This all tends to secure better health, more labor and 
less exertion, and with infinitely less punishment, more 
comfort and happiness to the laborer, and more profit 
and pleasure to the master. The other consideration 
weighs no little with me. We have a large class of our 
population in subordination, just and necessary. Where 
do we find the fewest mutinies, revolts and rebellions? 
In the best disciplined commands. Human nature is 
the same throughout the world. Give us all disciplined 
masters, managers, and assistants, and we shall never 
hear of insurrection - unless as an exception - to be sup- 
pressed instanter without appeal to foreign aid. 

As I shall not have time now to write General Gra- 
ham, you can show him the foregoing. No considera- 
tion can overcome my preference for a military school, 
but I am open to policy in the course necessary to obtain 
it. For the present your course is plain, it seems to me. 
You are an agent selected to carry out the views of 



PREPARING FOR TH E SEMINARY OPENING 83 

others. Your opinion might be expressed as a candid 
man, but your action should be confined to carrying out 
the system laid down for your government. When 
called upon for your views, give them freely. At all 
other times execute faithfully what is laid down for you. 
But this is advice I need not give you as from your let- 
ters it is the sensible view you have taken of the subject. 

The other question, personal to yourself, I can readily 
see is calculated to make you sensitive and uncomforta- 
ble. I hope no one will be so unjust and indelicate as to 
refer to such a matter, but should it be done, keep silent 
and refer the matter to your friends. I will answer any 
such insinuations and vouch for your soundness in any 
and all ways. I have known you too long and too well to 
permit a doubt to cross my mind as to the soundness of 
your views. What sentiments your brother may enter- 
tain will be a subject for our representatives at Wash- 
ington. It is all right and proper that you should wish 
him success. I do not, of course, know his opinions, but 
I believe that if he had your experience with us we 
should have no cause to fear him. His recommendation 
of that fellow's incendiary work was unfortunate, but I 
have no doubt was done without reflection or a knowl- 
edge of what he was doing, and that he heartily repents 
of an inconsiderate act. I have not the same charity for 
a good many of our northern representatives. They go 
too far, as do some of our own, but they being the aggres- 
sors there is some palliation on our side. 

Mrs. B. joins me in regards and wishing you every 
success. 

In letters written to his wife and to his brother-in-law after 
his return from New Orleans, Sherman refers to political mat- 
ters, to his fear that his position might become difficult and 
outlines the views that he held on slavery and secession, views 
which he did not modify or conceal while in Louisiana. 



84 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

W. T. SHERMAN TO MRS. SHERMAN 

Seminary, Alexandria, La., Dec. 16, 1859. 

. . . I wrote you and Minnie from New Orleans 
as I told you I would. I did start back in the "Tele- 
gram" Monday evening, and Red River being up, we 
came along without delay, reaching here Wednesday 
morning. I had despatched by a former boat a good 
deal of freight, brought some in the same boat, and all 
the balance will be here in a day or so. I walked out 
from Pineville, which is the name of a small group of 
houses on this side of Red River, and sent the cart in for 
my trunk and for the drummer I had picked up in New 
Orleans. I wanted also a tailor and shoemaker, but 
failed to get them. On getting out I was much disap- 
pointed at receiving no letters, but was assured that all 
the mails had failed for a week; and last night being 
mail night I sent in my new drummer who brought out 
a good budget, among them your letters. . . So, as 
you seem to know, this is an out of the way place without 
telegraphs, railroads, and almost without mails. 

It so happened that General Graham came out the 
very day of my return, not knowing that I was here, and 
he brought with him Mr. Smith, the professor of chem- 
istry, who is one of the real Virginia F. F. V.'s, a very 
handsome young man of twenty-two, who will doubtless 
be good company. He is staying with General Gra- 
ham, but will move here in a few days. General Gra- 
ham seemed delighted with the progress I had made, 
and for the first time seemed well satisfied that we would 
in fact be ready by January 1. 

I have not yet been to Alexandria, as I landed on this 
side the river and came out at once, but I shall go in on 
Monday and see all the supervisors, who are again to 
meet. I know the sentiments of some about abolition- 
ism, and am prepared if they say a word about John. I 



PREPARING FOR THE SEMINARY OPENING 85 

am not an abolitionist, still I do not intend to let any of 
them reflect on John in my presence, as the newspapers 
are full of angry and bitter expressions against him. All 
I have met have been so courteous that I have no reason 
to fear such a thing, unless some one of those who came, 
applicants to the post I fill, with hundreds of letters, 
should endeavor to undermine me by assertions on the 
infernal question of slavery, which seems to blind men 
to all ideas of common sense. 

Your letters convey to me the first intimation I have 

received that the project of had not long since been 

abandoned. . . You remember I waited as long as 
I decently could before answering Governor Wicklifre's 
letter of appointment, in hopes of receiving a word 

from who promised Hugh to write from London. 

Not hearing from him and having little faith in the 
scheme, I finally accepted this place as the best thing 
offering. Even yet I think this is my best chance unless 
the question of slavery and my northern birth and asso- 
ciations should prejudice me, and should make his 

appearance here I should have to be very strongly as- 
sured on the subject of pay and permanency before I 
would even hint at leaving. Of course if I could do 
better, there is no impropriety in my quitting as there 
are many strong applicants for the post, many of whom 
possess qualifications equal if not superior to me. I 

still do not believe that is to be relied on and I 

don't expect he has the most remote intention of com- 
ing here. . . 

These southern politicians have so long cried out wolf 
that many believe the wolf has come and therefore they 
might in some moment of anger commit an act resulting 
in Civil War. As long as the Union is kept I will stand 
by it, but if we are going to split up into sections I 
would prefer our children should be raised in Ohio or 



86 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

some northern state to the alternative of a slave state, 
where we never can have slave property. 

I have already described this place to you - the build- 
ing being of course not at all designed for families - 
and I shall not, as long as I control, permit a woman or 
child to live in it. The nearest house is an open, cold 
house a quarter of a mile distant occupied at present by 
Professor Vallas, wife and five children. During my 
absence at New Orleans they had here bitter cold 
weather, the same that killed all the orange trees at New 
Orleans, and Mr. Vallas tells me he and his family 
nearly froze, for the house was designed for summer, of 
the "wentilating" kind. 

There are other houses between this and Alexandria 
of the same general kind, but they are from one and one- 
half to two and one-half miles distant, too far off for any 
person connected with the Seminary to live. The plan 
is and has been to build, but the Seminary is utterly un- 
able to build, nor can it hope to get the money save by a 
gift from the legislature. General Graham thinks they 
will appropriate $30,000. Governor Moore, though in 
favor of doing so, has his doubts and was candid enough 
to say so. Without that it will be impossible for me to 
bring you south even next winter. The legislature meets 
in the latter part of next January and we cannot even get 
our pay until they appropriate, but they must appro- 
priate $8,100 27 because it belongs lawfully to the 
Seminary. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO MRS. SHERMAN 

Seminary, Dec. 23, 1859. 
. . . I have the New Orleans papers of the 18th. 

27 Interest on the Seminary land fund. — Ed. 



PREPARING FOR THE SEMINARY OPENING 87 

I see that the election of speaker was still the engrossing 
topic, John's vote being 112, 114 being necessary to a 
choice. Still I doubt his final success on account of his 
signing for that Helper book. Without that his election 
would be certain. I was at Alexandria yesterday and 
was cornered by a Dr. Smith, a member of the Board of 
Supervisors and at present a candidate of this Parish for 
a seat in the state senate, to which he will surely be elect- 
ed. He referred pointedly to the deep intense feeling 
which now pervades the South, and the importance that 
all educational establishments should be in the hands of 
its friends. I answered in general terms that I had noth- 
ing to do with these questions, that I was employed to 
do certain things which I should do, that I always was a 
strong advocate of our present form of government, and 
as long as it remained I should be true to it, that if dis- 
union was meditated in any quarter I should oppose it, 
but that if disunion did actually occur, an event I would 
not contemplate, then every man must take his own 
course and I would not say what I would do. I still be- 
lieve somehow or other efforts will be made to draw 
me out on these points and I shall be as circumspect as 
possible. 

A good many gentlemen and ladies have been here to 
see the Seminary which begins to attract notice. All ex- 
press great pleasure at seeing the beautiful building and 
hope it will become a center of attraction. About the 
time you receive this we will begin to receive cadets and 
then things will be pretty lively. I will have nothing 
to do in the way of teaching this term, my time will be 
mostly taken up by supervising others, and seeing to the 
proper supplies and furnishment. . . 



88 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

W. T. SHERMAN TO THOMAS EWING JR. 

Seminary near Alexandria, December 23, 1859. 

Dear Tom: I received last night a Leavenworth 
paper addressed in your handwriting and I wish you 
would repeat them. I get the New Orleans papers regu- 
larly, but they never say Kansas; indeed I know not 
if they are admitted south, Kansas being synonimous 
with abolitionism. 

You can readily imagine the delicate position I now 
hold at the head of a seminary to open January 1 next, 
for the instruction and training of young men to science 
and arms, at the same time that John Sherman's name is 
bandied about as the representative of all that is held 
here murderous and detestable. Thus far all have had 
the delicacy to refrain in my presence with but one cas- 
ual exception, but I would not be surprised if at any 
time I should be officially catechised on the subject. 
This I would not stand of course. 

I would not if I could abolish or modify slavery. I 
don't know that I would materially change the actual 
political relation of master and slave. Negroes in the 
great numbers that exist here must of necessity be slaves. 
Theoretical notions of humanity and religion cannot 
shake the commercial fact that their labor is of great 
value and cannot be dispensed with. Still of course I 
wish it never had existed, for it does make mischief. No 
power on earth can restrain opinions elsewhere, and 
these opinions expressed beget a vindictive feeling. The 
mere dread of revolt, sedition or external interference 
makes men ordinarily calm almost mad. I, of course, 
do not debate the question and, moderate as my views 
are, I feel that I am suspected, and if I do not actually 
join in the praises of slavery I may be denounced as an 
abolitionist. 



PREPARING FOR THE SEMINARY OPENING 89 

I think it would be wise if northern people would con- 
fine their attention to the wants and necessities of their 
own towns and property, leaving the South to manage 
slavery and receive its reward or doom, let what may 
come. 

I am fully conscious that respectable men here not 
only talk but think of the combinations to be made in 
case of a rupture. It may be that they design these 
military colleges as a part of some ulterior design, but 
in my case I do not think such to be the case. Indeed it 
was with great difficulty the Board of Supervisors were 
prevailed on by an old West Pointer to give the Semi- 
nary the military feature, and then it was only assented 
to because it was represented that southern gentlemen 
would submit rather to the showy discipline of arms 
than to the less ostentatious government of a faculty. 
Yet, I say that it may result that men are preparing for 
the wreck of the U.S. government and are thinking and 
preparing for new combinations. 

I am willing to aid Louisiana in defending herself 
against her enemies so long as she remains a state in the 
general confederacy; but should she or any other state 
act disunion, I am out. Disunion and Civil War are 
synonimous terms. The Mississippi, source and mouth, 
must be controlled by one government, the southeast are 
cut off by the Alleghany Mountains, but Louisiana oc- 
cupies the mouth of a river whose heads go far north, 
and does not admit of a "cut off." Therefore a peace- 
able disunion which men here think possible is absurd. 
It would be war eternal until one or the other were 
conquered - "subject." In that event of course I would 
stand by Ohio. I always laughed when I heard dis- 
union talked of, but I now begin to fear it may be at- 
tempted. 



go SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

I have been to New Orleans, purchased all the fur- 
niture needed, and now await the coming of January 2 
to begin school. We expect from sixty to seventy-five 
scholars at first. I will not teach, but supervise the dis- 
cipline, instruction, supplies, etc. 

How are your plans, political and financial, progress- 
ing? If Congress should organize I suppose we will 
have the same war over the admission of Kansas. 

Of the final preparations before the opening of the school, 
Sherman made report in the following letters to General Gra- 
ham, the vice president of the Board of Supervisors. 

Seminary, Dec. 21, 1859. 

Dear General: ... I have also another long 
letter from Bragg, who warms in our favor, and he will 
be a valuable coadjutator, should you seek legislative 
action. He discusses two suggestions I made: First, 
let the state maintain their sixteen cadets, or double the 
endowment. Meet Uncle Sam half way. I think the 
latter the simplest offer, and if they do this we should 
ask nothing in the way of building; with a certain in- 
come of $16,200 we could annually enlarge to the extent 
of three to four thousand. 

I think to ask any large sum such as $30,000, would 
startle the friends of the Seminary, whereas to do as 
much for their Seminary as the United States have done, 
would be in the nature of a fair banter and could easily 
be debated. 

I would like much to come up Christmas, for I am 
lonely enough here, and may do so if the day be tempt- 
ingly warm. Still I now have Jarreau's negroes all at 
work - scrubbing, cutting wood, etc., and would hate to 
leave, as when the cat is away, etc., and I see they watch 
me, as I make my round about twenty times a day. All my 



PREPARING FOR THE SEMINARY OPENING gi 

New Orleans purchases are here safe and sound, except 
some forty tables which I hourly expect. Still I have 
forty on hand enough to study by even should a mistake 
have occurred. I bought eighty, but they had to be put 
together after I bought them. I go to Alexandria to- 
morrow to buy a few small items. I beg you will give 
yourself no uneasiness about the regulations. I am in 
no hurry about them. I have boards, like the bulletin 
board in the main hall, on which I will post "roll call," 
"mess hall regulations," "regulations for rooms," etc., 
in the form of orders, and each cadet will study and re- 
member them quite as well as if they were printed. 

After Monday next I will be prepared to entertain 
gentlemen or ladies, and think then a visit here would be 
opportune. 

Seminary, Dec. 25, 1859. 

Dear General : . . . I wish to be understood as 
perfectly willing that encampments should be inaugu- 
rated at once, but only that I, comparatively a stranger, 
should not seem disposed to make this too military, 
against or with the lukewarm consent of the people of 
Louisiana. The proper rule is for me to execute the de- 
crees of the legal authorities, leaving them to determine 
the objects of the Seminary. 

I take pleasure in informing you that our mathemati- 
cal books have arrived and I will send for them to-mor- 
row. The publisher deducts ten per cent for cash. So 
that I advise you to cause the cashier of the Mechanics' 
and Traders' Bank to remit to A. S. Barnes and 
Brown . . . the sum of $448.65 to the credit of the 
"Seminary of Learning." A prompt business-like mode 
of payments will give us good credit, and be of vast ser- 
vice to us, should we ever get into a tight place. I am 
satisfied our present funds are sufficient, and in a few 



92 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

days, we will be reimbursed in full, by the sale of these 
books and furniture to the cadets. 

I am uneasy about the steward being fully ready. I 
have his sub-steward here at work as cook, he got supper 
and breakfast. Our range requires more draft than the 
flues in the side-chimney afforded. I changed it to the 
inner large fireplace, walling up its front, and it now 
works to a charm. I also apprehended a scarcity of 
wood. I have failed in every effort to get negroes, or 
men to cut and draw wood. Can you advise when they 
are to be had. Or if you can send or cause to be sent two, 
immediately, I will give them a month's employment, 
trusting to Jarreau's boys after that. He has only three 
left that are worth a sou, and he will need two of them. 
It will take the three girls every day this week to clean 
up. 

I have also offers from New York for our clothing, 
much more satisfactory than any in New Orleans. Coat 
from $13 to $16, vest and pants from $3.50 to $4.00; 
samples of cloth are with the offer. A beautiful suit of 
good flannel - navy - all wool, can be made, coat $7, 
pants $4, vest $3, a really beautiful article. I have also 
samples for overcoats from $10 to $16. After the arrival 
of cadets by taking their measures carefully, sending 
them on, I would in six weeks have everything delivered. 
It can't be done at all in Alexandria. In New Orleans 
I found too many if's and and's: New York is the great 
commercial center of America, and it would be in my 
judgment extreme squeamishness to pay more for a 
worse article elsewhere. 

If prejudice, non-intercourse, such as Mr. Manning 
evinced is to restrict me in supplies, we shall be at a 
stand still soon enough, for I assure you, New Orleans 



PREPARING FOR THE SEMINARY OPENING 93 

could not fill our small orders for books, which left New 
York the day my letter reached the publisher. Admit- 
ting we buy in New Orleans, your merchants there are 
northern men or would at once order of northern men, 
thus subjecting us to double profits and commission. Of 
course in matter of clothing, arms, and accoutrements I 
will not be called on to act till after cadets are here, and 
I know I will see you in the mean time. 

I have been quite unwell for two days. I attributed it 
to an attempt at chicken-pie by our old cook, but since 
the receipt of yours I suspect the oysters. This cause 
and my unwillingness to entrust our property here to 
irresponsible servants deter me from accepting your 
kind invitation for to-day, as also a similar one from Mr. 
Henarie and Professor Vallas. My Christmas pleasure 
must consist of thinking of my little family, enjoying as 
I know they do all they could wish, in their snug home 
at Lancaster. . . 

I'm afraid from our frequent letters, the Post Master 
will think we have commenced courting again. 

While getting the building in order and getting in the equip- 
ment and furniture, Sherman boarded with the carpenters who 
were employed on the work. This gave the foundation for the 
newspaper story of later days that the State of Louisiana, gather- 
ing all its resources for war, refused to pay Sherman's salary and 
thus reduced him to such straits that he was forced to board with 
the servants. His own account is given in a letter to Mrs. Sher- 
man. 

Seminary, Wednesday, Dec. 28, 1859. 
. . . I was disappointed the two last mails at not 
hearing from you, but to-morrow I feel certain. I will 
go to town myself and take this. The time is now near 
at hand for opening the Seminary. I have the mess 
started in the building, all the carpenters are out, all 
the furniture ready, a pretty good stock of wood on 



94 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

hand and generally all things are about as far advanced 
as I could expect. Still I am the only one ready. The 
steward is sick on his plantation twelve miles off, his 
son and niggers are here, a good for nothing set. He 
has a white under steward who has some work in him 
and another white boy to help, and I have three negro 
women scrubbing out from top to bottom. 

The weather is rainy, sloppy, warm and misty, every- 
thing is wet and uncomfortable, yet I have pushed things 
so that I at least am ready. Smith is sleeping on the 
floor in my room on a bed I bought for the cadets and 
he is waiting for his furniture from New Orleans. None 
of the other professors are here excepting Mr. Vallas 
whom I have told you about. There have been forty- 
three pay appointments and sixteen public, so we may 
expect fifty or sixty this year, which is a reasonable num- 
ber as this is no time to begin. Everybody has made 
arrangements for this winter. Had we begun in No- 
vember it would have been better. Still as this affair 
is designed to last forever it may be well to commence 
moderately first. 

I had rather a lonely Christmas, nobody here but my 
poor drummer and myself. The three negro women 
rushed to my room at daylight and cried "Christmas 
gift, Massa," and the negro boy Henry that chops wood 
and the old negro woman Amy that cooks in an out- 
house for the carpenters all claimed Christmas of me 
thinking I am boss and as rich as Croesus himself. I 
disbursed about $5 in halves as each of them had done 
me some service uncompensated. 

The old cook Amy always hid away for me the last 
piece of butter and made my breakfast and dinner bet- 
ter than the carpenters', always saying she "knowed" I 
wasn't used to such kind of living. She don't know what 



PREPARING FOR THE SEMINARY OPENING 95 

I have passed through. Negroes on plantations are 
generally allowed holiday the whole week, but we can't 
give it here, as this week is devoted to cleaning up after 
the dirt of plastering, painting and tobacco spitting over 
seventy-two rooms, halls and galleries. An immense 
quantity of dirt is cleaned away, but enough yet remains 
to find fault with. 

As to Christmas I had invitation to General Gra- 
ham's, to a Mr. Henarie's in Alexandria and Professor 
Vallas, all declined, because of the property exposed 
here, which it was not prudent to leave unprotected. 
Soon all these things will be distributed, others will be 
here and sentinels to guard when I take my holiday. . . 



Ill THE BEGINNING OF THE FIRST 
SESSION 

Beauregard. Obstacles to successful administration. Students arrive slow- 
ly. Politics again. Prospects of the Seminary before the legislature. Evi- 
dence of confidence in Sherman. Details in regard to Seminary finances, 
enrollment, needs. Young man rides one hundred, twenty-five miles to see if 
the Seminary is open. Beauregard's views on the proper education of youth. 
Newspaper notice of the opening of the Seminary. Extracts from the regula- 
tions prepared by Sherman. John Sherman's explanation of his endorsement 
of the Impending Crisis. Seminary routine. Improving the Seminary grounds. 
Sherman considers the purchase of slaves. Sherman's plans for his family. 
Ignorant cadets. Rumor of cadets in grogshops. Proposed legislation in re- 
gard to the Seminary. Arguments in favor of legalising the military system 
of government and discipline. Report of the Board of Supervisors. 

The Louisiana State Seminary began its first session on Janu- 
ary 2, i860. The superintendent was at his post several days 
earlier, busy organizing the administration, receiving and plac- 
ing students and professors, assuring parents that he would take 
proper care of their sons, and all the while corresponding with 
those interested in the school. Owing to the disagreement in the 
Board between the party which favored an organization and 
curriculum patterned after the Virginia Military Institute and 
those who preferred something like the University of Virginia, 
the book of regulations prepared by Sherman in November was 
not published. Consequently much of the information therein 
contained had now to be given out through correspondence. 

Upon the superintendent devolved also the duties of treasurer 
and commissary, and, while Captain Jarreau was ill, he was 
forced to take charge of the steward's work, oversee the boarding 
department and direct the ill-trained servants. 

During the first month everything was gotten into fair run- 
ning order. Candidates for entrance were examined and classi- 
fied, text-books were obtained, uniforms and military equipment 
ordered, drills begun, the course of study planned, the faculty or 



98 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

Academic Board organized, and the Seminary put upon a cash- 
paying basis. 

Meanwhile Sherman continued to be uneasy about the politi- 
cal situation, not only because he foresaw embarrassment in his 
own position but because he feared more serious sectional strife. 
An offer was then made by a commercial concern to send him to 
London to open a branch house and under the circumstances this 
offer was seriously considered. 

The activities of the first days of the session are described in 
letters written to General Graham and to Mrs. Sherman. Gra- 
ham and Sherman exchanged letters nearly every day and to 
Mrs. Sherman and her father, Thomas Ewing, he wrote inti- 
mately and with detail about Seminary matters, political condi- 
tions, and the difficulties in his way. The letters from Major 
Beauregard, a firm friend of the Seminary and of Sherman, are 
typical of many received by Sherman at this time. Beauregard 
placed two sons and a nephew under Sherman's care. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Seminary, Jan. i, i860. 

Dear General: A happy New Year to you and 
yours. . . I see plain enough that the impression is 
abroad that state cadets are "free" and it will take time 
and patience to put the matter aright. The first re- 
ported cadet is named Tempel from Bayou Sara; he is 
a state appointee, had with him $37 which he deposited, 
and I provided with a complete outfit at about $28, bed, 
table, etc., and he looks quite comfortable in Room 23. 
He takes his meals with the officers. 

Cadet Taliaferro's father remitted for his use $250 in 
his draft on New Orleans. I propose to pay this to H. 
Robertson and Company as cash for blankets. I have 
discharged all carpenters and to-day must settle with 
them. I will in any contingency act, things here shan't 
stop or take a check on my account, for as commanding 
officer I shall assume all power subject at all times to 
account. I will keep full accounts of all things - money, 



BEGINNING OF THE FIRST SESSION 99 

property, etc., and will only insist that the treasurer 
shall have no commission on my disbursements. Of 
course our finances are not on a sound basis, we will be 
short, but it is all important the cadets should be well 
provided in all things, that the system should be made 
to work well, that the institution should have the best 
credit, and therefore I will pay all bills off and keep 
the cash system, and if at the end of the year, the cash 
be short, let the professors' salaries be behind. 

As to rank, legislation, etc., I prefer to leave all to 
you, for you are more fully impressed with the impor- 
tance of these things than I pretend to be. If Dr. Smith 
and Mr. Manning have secret designs to legislate against 
our place, they should be met by friends there on the 
spot. I think if consistent with your other duties of life, 
you could be at Baton Rouge, about Governor Moore's 
inauguration it would be appropriate. To be sure you 
have labored enough, but having built the arch, drop 
in the keystone, and then you can rest at ease. 

Please encourage the visits of ladies, gentlemen, and 
all strangers especially to a visit. I will make it a point 
to attend them, and can do much to convince all that the 
military system is the truly watchful, parental system, 
instead of the neglectful one of common academies. 
Mr. Smith and Mr. St. Ange are with me. Also Mr. 
Sevier 28 all provided a la cadet. 

It is fortunate I got my things in New Orleans. Mr. 
Ford has not delivered a single mattress, and I doubt if 
he will. I have seventy-five good mattresses, pillows, 
sheets, covers, straps, etc., for one hundred beds, trust- 
ing to Ford for twenty-five mattresses. If cadets come 
in pretty fast I shall order twenty-five from New Or- 

28 Dr. John W. Sevier, a veteran of Walker's filibustering expedition, was 
appointed surgeon and adjutant of the Seminary in December, 1859. — Ed. 



ioo SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

leans, and refuse to take Ford's because he has not come 
to time. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Seminary, Jan. 4, i860. 
Dear General: . . . We began recitations to- 
day. Mathematics and French, tomorrow mathematics 
and Latin. Mathematics five days a week; French 
and Latin on alternate days, two hours each. To-mor- 
row we commence drills one hour a day - and two hours 
on Saturday. Everything works well. . . 

P. G. T. BEAUREGARD TO W. T. SHERMAN 

New Orleans, Jan. 4, i860. 

Dear Sir: Allow me to introduce to you the bearer, 
my son Rene T. Beauregard, who goes to report to you 
under the charge of W. I. N. Reid of this city, for my 
occupation will not permit me to accompany him. . . 

May I take the liberty to ask you to find for my son a 
proper roommate, one of studious and steady habits 
who has not seen much of city life and habits, for on 
this first start in life will depend his future career. 

You will no doubt find him a very studious, correct, 
and upright boy in every respect. I desire fitting him 
for a commercial life. . . 

P.S. I beg you to furnish my son with whatever 
objects he may have need of during his stay at the Sem- 
inary and draw on me for the same. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO MRS. SHERMAN 

Seminary, Jan. 4, i860. 

. . . Since my last I have been pretty busy. Last 

week was very cold and stormy. The snow fell one 

night to depth of five inches and lay all next day. On 

New Years however it cleared off and was bright. Mon- 



BEGINNING OF THE FIRST SESSION 101 

day was our opening day- was bright cold and clear. 
All the professors were on hand and nineteen cadets 
made their appearance. Since then four more. To- 
day we begin reciting in mathematics and French. To- 
morrow mathematics and Latin. These studies and 
drilling will occupy this year till June. There are 
sixteen state appointments and forty-three by the Board- 
fifty-nine in all, so that there are about thirty-six to 
come yet. Not punctual, according to southern fash- 
sion, but partly occasioned by the severe weather of last 
week which has interrupted travel. 

If I were to tell you of the thousand and one little 
things that stand in the way of doing things here you 
would be amused. As a sample, in New Orleans I 
could not find the French grammars wanted by the pro- 
fessor. I telegraphed to New York and got answer 
that they would come in time; they reached New Or- 
leans and were sent up this river by boat, but the boat 
did not land them, and they have gone up to Shreve- 
port and when they will get here we cannot guess. 

The Latin professor did not get here until the Satur- 
day before the Seminary opened, and now he has to 
begin instruction without text books. But I am deter- 
mined they shall teach, and I cause the young men to 
be marched to their recitation rooms, where the profes- 
sors must teach by lecture till we get our books. Even 
New Orleans is badly supplied with books and we must 
order everything from New York. Some of the hot- 
bloods talk of non-intercourse with New York, but that 
is absurd, everything but cotton and sugar must come 
from the North. 

Professor Boyd is a young man of about twenty-five 
years, and a very clever gentleman. Indeed on the 
whole the professors are above mediocrity. The young 



102 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

cadets too are a very clever set of young men. Our 
messing arrangements are also quite complete, and 
things work well. 

You say that still thinks of coming south. I 

still am incredulous and shall do or say nothing to com- 
mit me till I am sure. Seven thousand five hundred 
dollars a year secured for two years would be better 
than the post I now hold, as I do not believe this Sem- 
inary without legislative aid can pay us the salaries 
they have agreed to do. Thus the state has compelled 
us to receive sixteen cadets without pay. Their board, 
clothing, books, etc., have to be paid for by the Seminary 
out of the endowment of $8,100. The actual cost of 
board, etc., of these sixteen will be near $4,000, leaving 
about the same amount out of which to pay professors 
salaries amounting to $ 1 2,500, or in other words we shall 
receive only one-third the pay stipulated for. The pay 
cadets pay barely enough to support themselves. Every- 
thing will depend on the legislature for this year, and 
the whole matter will be fully submitted to them. 

Now that I have fairly got the Seminary started, a 
great point about which there was much doubt, I shall 
apply myself to this, to procure legislation that will put 
the college on safe financial ground. The governor 
and many members are highly favorable and none thus 
far has breathed a word against me on John's account. 
I was in hopes that General Graham would go down to 
Baton Rouge, but he says he cannot, that he has an 
antipathy to such business- politics and politicians be- 
ing obnoxious to him as they are to me. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Seminary, Friday, Jan. 6, i860. 

Dear General: Things move along so so -only 

twenty four cadets. Captain Walters brought his boy of 



BEGINNING OF THE FIRST SESSION 103 

fourteen years and eight months and I will receive him. 
Vallas is so zealous that he keeps his class nearly four 
hours in the section room. I may have to interfere, 
but for the present will leave him full scope to develop 
his "Method." To-morrow, Saturday I will have a 
drill and afterward daily. 

We had some conversation about John Sherman. You 
have seen enough of the world to understand politicians 
and the motives which influence and govern them; last 
night I received a letter from him, which explains his 
signing that Helper book. He is punished well and 
deservedly for a thoughtless and careless act and will 
hereafter look at papers before he signs them. I also 
send you a letter he wrote me before he left home to go 
to Washington. Whatever rank he may hold among 
politicians I [know] he would do no aggressive act in 
life. I do think southern politicians are almost as much 
to blame as mere theoretical abolitionists. The con- 
stant threat of disunion, and their enlarging the term 
abolitionist has done them more real harm than the 
mere prayers, preachings, and foolish speeches of dis- 
tant preachers. It is useless for men to try and make a 
party on any basis. The professional politician will 
slip in and take advantage of it if successful and drop 
it if unsuccessful. 

The true position for every gentleman north and south 
is to frown down even a mention of disunion. Resist 
any and all assaults calmly, quietly like brave men, and 
not by threats. The laws of the states and Congress 
must be obeyed; if wrong or oppressive they will be 
repealed. Better to bear, etc. I don't pretend to en- 
dorse republicanism, John Sherman or anybody else- 
but I send these letters to show that he is no abolitionist. 
As he is my brother, is honest, of excellent habits, and 



104 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

has done his duty as a son, brother, neighbor, etc., and 
as I believe, he will fill any post creditably I wish him 
success. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

ALEXANDRIA, Tuesday morning [Jan. 7, i860]. 
. . . I have just paid every bill due by the Semin- 
ary and hereafter the cash system shall prevail. We 
now have thirty-six cadets (five state). . . John 
Sherman is tetchy about seeming to yield to clamor, but 
if Dr. Smith explains the manner in which the letter 
came to him, nobody can object. We are working 
smoothly. I have found my books - in Henarie's loft 
where they had been three weeks! - too bad. They were 
marked plain. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO THOMAS EWING 

State Seminary, Alexandria, Jan. 8, i860. 

Dear Sir: As you can well understand I am in the 
midst of busy times, answering letters, making reports, 
issuing orders, etc., all pertaining to the organization of 
a new school on a new plan for this part of the world. 
The weather has been exceedingly boisterous. Snow 
fell here last week, five inches, but it lay only one day. 
To-day was like May with you. But the rains and 
frosts have made the roads bad and have in a measure 
delayed the coming of our cadets. They have been so 
used to delay and procrastination that they could not 
understand the necessity of time. 

I took things in hand a la militarism, usurped full 
authority and began the system ab initio. We now 
have thirty-two cadets who attend reveille and all roll 
calls like soldiers, have their meals with absolute regu- 
larity and are already hard at work at mathematics, 
French, and Latin. I am the only West Pointer, but 
they submit to me with the docility of lambs. 



BEGINNING OF THE FIRST SESSION 105 

A good many gentlemen have attended their sons and 
are much pleased with the building and all arrange- 
ments. They occasionally drop the sentiment of their 
gladness that thus they will become independent of the 
North and such like, but not one man has said one word 
about John or anything at which I could take exception. 

The supervisors seem glad to devolve on me all the 
burdensome task of details, and are now loud in their 
determination to besiege the legislature to so endow the 
Seminary that it shall be above all danger or contin- 
gency. The governor sent me word to-day to give him 
some points for his message, and I have written him at 
length urging him to get the state, out of her swamp 
lands, to double our endowment. The present comes 
from the United States. If Louisiana gives equal we 
will have an income of $16,200, which would put us 
above all want. Or if she will simply appropriate to 
pay for the sixteen cadets which she forces us to educate 
and support. . . 

This however is too good a berth to risk. 29 I per- 
ceive I have a strong hold there. The South are right 
in guarding against insidious enemies or against any 
enemies whatever, and I would aid her in so doing. All 
I would object to is the laying of plans designed to result 
in a secession and Civil War. The valley of the Mis- 
sissippi must be under one government, else war is al- 
ways the state. If I were to suspect that I were being 
used for such a deep laid plan I would rebel, but I see 
daily marks of confidence in me and reliance upon my 
executing practical designs, and if I were to say that I 
contemplated leaving I would give great uneasiness to 

those who have built high hopes. Still if is in 

earnest and I can hold off till the legislature shows its 

29 Sherman here refers to an offer made to him of a position in London. — Ed. 



106 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

temper (it meets Monday, the 16th) I will be in better 
attitude to act. 

Here at $3,500 I could save little after bringing my 
family, but I would have good social position, maybe 
a good house and, taken all in all, a pleasant home, for 
such I should make it, designing to keep my children 
here summer and winter, always. Epidemics never 
originate here. Sometimes they come up after having 
sojourned some time below. . . 

We must absolutely have help this year or the Sem- 
inary cannot pay the salaries stipulated for, nor build 
houses for the families. I now handle all the moneys 
and am absolute master of all the business. We have 
a treasurer twenty miles off, under bond, whereas I, in 
fact, have in my possession all the moneys, $6,000 near- 
ly, and for its safety they have never asked of me a 
receipt. I cannot therefore mistake the confidence of 
the Board. Caution must be my plan now. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Seminary, Monday, Jan. 9, i860. 

According to your request, I prepared yesterday and 
will mail today for Governor Wickcliffe: 1. A copy 
of our morning report of yesterday giving numbers of 
officers, cadets, and servants. 2. Distribution of rooms, 
showing easy accommodations for one hundred forty- 
three cadets, and in case of necessity fifty more. 3. 
Copy of our register of cadets, giving names, etc., of 
thirty-one cadets (now thirty-two). . . 4. Copy of 
the proceedings of the Academic Board, showing the 
basis of instruction, text books, etc. Still subject to 
change, before being finally referred to the Board of 
Supervisors for approval. 

And lastly I wrote him a letter, giving him such 
details and suggestions as occurred to me at the time. 



BEGINNING OF THE FIRST SESSION 107 

Of all these I retain copies, and would send them to you 
only they are voluminous, and are always here of rec- 
ord, and will be examined by you on your next visit. 
Our mess arrangements, drill and recitations work as 
smoothly as I would expect. . . 

Dr. Smith 30 sent me word to send him about the close 
of this month at Baton Rouge full details for his use. 
I think I had better do so, carefully and minutely. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Seminary, Wednesday, January n, i860. 
Dear General : . . . I will receive all who ap- 
ply whether appointed or not, and would suggest that 
you send me a few blank appointments. This idea is 
suggested by the fact that a young man named Stokes 
rode one hundred twenty-five miles from Monroe on 
horseback simply to find out whether it "am a fact" 
that such an institution was in existence. He brought 
the enclosed letter. I tried to prevail on him to stay 
but he was ordered to return. I wrote Mr. Noble to 
send him back forthwith with two hundred dollars. He 
thought he could go and return in seven days but I allow 
ten. . . 

In the Louisiana Democrat of January 11, i860, is an editorial 
notice of the opening of the Seminary based upon notes sent to the 
editor by Superintendent Sherman. It was found necessary to 
remind prospective students of the necessity of coming early and 
to advise the public in regard to the nature of the academic work 
offered, the disagreements in the Board having been made public. 

To this date the number of cadets who have reported 
themselves at the State Seminary is over forty, the ar- 
rivals having been at the rate of about six per day. The 
cadets who have arrived are creditable representatives 
of Young Louisiana, averaging in age about seventeen 

30 State senator and member of the Board of Supervisors. — Ed. 



108 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

years and in height about five feet six inches. A con- 
siderable proportion of them are well advanced in 
academic studies and several have been members of 
military schools in other states. 

By the energy and forethought of the superintendent, 
the professors and members of the Board, due prepara- 
tion had been made for this promising influx of cadets, 
who are now, consequently, already beginning their 
studies. It is very desirable that all students who intend 
to go to the Seminary during the current session should 
report themselves at the earliest day practicable. . . 

While on this topic we might as well advert to a seri- 
ous error into which some have fallen concerning the 
course of study at the State Seminary. It is assumed by 
these that, as the organization of this institution is mil- 
itary in character, the course of study will of necessity 
be purely scientific, to the exclusion of classical studies. 
On the contrary provision is made for as complete a 
course of tuition in Latin and Greek as can be enjoyed 
in any American College. The chair of ancient lan- 
guages is filled by an able professor, chosen by the Board 
of Supervisors from a large number of applicants, and 
recommended as well by his attainments as by his suc- 
cess as a teacher. Our State Seminary has therefore 
all the features of a collegiate institution of the first 
grade; its military regulations and discipline will not 
interfere at all with the classical and scientific pursuits 
of the cadets, as we have already fully explained. 

The following extracts from the regulations prepared by Sher- 
man are of interest as giving his views on questions of curriculum 
and discipline. Though drawn up in November and December, 
1859, and put into operation in January, i860, the regulations 
were not printed until the vacation of i860. The scheme of 
grading and the valuation of the subjects in the course of study 
were borrowed from the West Point system. The original manu- 



BEGINNING OF THE FIRST SESSION 109 

script copy in the handwriting of Sherman was taken from the 
Seminary in 1864, when General Banks raided the Red River 
Valley. In 1909 the manuscript was returned to Louisiana 
State University. 

35. Each candidate, before he is admitted as a cadet, 
must be able to read and write the English language 
well, and to perform with facility and accuracy the 
various operations of the four ground rules of arithme- 
tic (addition, substraction, multiplication, and divi- 
sion), of reduction of vulgar and decimal fractions, of 
simple and compound proportion. 

38. No married person will be received as a cadet, 
and if any one shall marry whilst a cadet, such marriage 
will be considered as a resignation. 

60. The Course of Instruction will be substantially 
as follows : mathematics - embracing arithmetic, al- 
gebra, geometry, plane and spherical trigonometry, 
mensuration, descriptive geometry, analytical geome- 
try, differential and integral calculus. 

61. Natural Philosophy - embracing mechanics, op- 
tics, acoustics, magnetism, and electricity. Astronomy. 

62. Chemistry, with its application to agriculture 
and the arts; mineralogy and geology; infantry tactics. 

63. Surveying, civil engineering, military engineer- 
ing, as far as the construction of field-work of attack and 
defense; topography, perspective drawing, sketching 
in pencil and colors; architecture, description of the 
ancient orders and modern styles. 

64. The English language, composition, and elocu- 
tion ; geography and history; mental and moral philoso- 
phy. 

65. The Latin and Greek languages. 

66. The French and Spanish languages. 

67. Practical instruction will be given in the infan- 



no 



SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 



try and artillery drill, and with the sword when prac- 
ticable. 

84. The relative weight to be given the different 
subjects in forming the roll of general merit shall be 
expressed by the following numbers: 

Engineering ..... 300 

Mathematics ..... 300 

Natural philosophy .... 300 

Conduct (demerits) .... 300 

English studies and literature . . . 300 

Chemistry . . . . . 200 

Infantry tactics ..... 200 

Mineralogy and geology . . . . 100 

Artillery . . . . . 100 

French and Spanish .... 300 

Latin and Greek .... 300 

Compositions ..... 100 

Declamation . . . . . 100 

Drawing . . . . . 100 

85. The minimum mark of any subject shall be one- 
third the maximum, intermediate merit being represent- 
ed by the terms of an arithmetical series, the extremes of 
which are the highest and lowest marks, and the number 
.of terms the number in the class. 

109. No cadet shall keep a waiter, horse, or dog. 

no. No cadet shall in any way use tobacco, nor 
have it in his room or in his possession. 

in. No cadet shall cook or prepare food in the 
Seminary building, or have cooked provisions in his 
room, without permission. 

After the Seminary routine was somewhat fixed, the corres- 
pondence of Sherman shows that he felt more sure of his posi- 
tion. His own views were understood by his associates and he 
had been assured that neither his political opinions nor those of 
his brother would interfere with his Seminary work. During 
the long contest in Congress over the election of a speaker of the 




t^*/^-*&-*. 









, 2 



- /^-. - ' 



" 









Letter of Major P. G. T. Beauregard to Sherman 




6 J^Z^^ff^^-- <s 












-^ 






BEGINNING OF THE FIRST SESSION 117 

House, W. T. Sherman asked his brother John why he had en- 
dorsed Helper's book. John Sherman answered: "It was a 
thoughtless, foolish, and unfortunate act. I relied upon the repre- 
sentation that it was a political tract. . . I was assured that there 
would be nothing offensive in it and so ... I told Mor- 
gan, a member of last Congress, to use my name. I never read 
the book, knew nothing of it. . . Everybody knows that the 
ultra sentiments in the book are as obnoxious to me as they can 
be to anyone and in proper circumstances I would distinctly say 
so, but under the threat of Clark's resolution 31 I could not with 
self respect say more than I have." General Graham secured 
this letter and quietly sent it around among the prominent poli- 
ticians of the state. It eased the situation considerably, though 
later letters show that Sherman continued to be "somewhat mor- 
bid" on the subject. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO MRS. SHERMAN 

Seminary, Jan. 12. 

. . . I have allowed more time than usual to pass 
without writing. Indeed I have had a good many calls 
upon my time not properly belonging to me. The 
steward was sick of sore throat that made it imprudent 
of him to come so I had to supervise his mess affairs. 
I had a parcel of lazy negroes scrubbing and cleaning, 
and lastly new cadets arriving and receiving their out- 
fits. I have to do everything but teach. We have now 
forty cadets all at work reciting in mathematics, French, 
and Latin, also drilling once a day. I drill one squad, 
but as soon as I get a few of the best far enough advanced 
to help I will simply overlook. Hereafter I will have 
none of this to do. 

Everything moves along satisfactorily, all seem 
pleased, and gentlemen have been here from New Or- 
leans and other distant points who are much pleased. 

31 John B. Clark, a member of Congress from Missouri, introduced a reso- 
lution to the effect that no person who endorsed Helper's book was fit to be 
speaker of the House of Representatives. — Ed. 



u8 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

I have knowledge of more cadets coming, and this be- 
ing the first term and being preceded by so much doubt 
I don't know that we have reason to be disappointed 
with only forty. The legislature meets next Monday, 
and then will begin the free discussion which will settle 
the fact of professors' houses and other little detailed 
improvements which will go far to make my position 
here comfortable or otherwise. 

Nobody has said boo about John. Indeed I have two 
letters from John which I showed to General Graham 
who gave them to the senator from this Parish, who took 
them to Baton Rouge. In them John tells me he signed 
the Helper card without seeing it, not knowing it, but 
after Clark introduced his resolution he would make 
no disclaimer. He was right, and all men acquainted 
with the facts will say so. Even southern men. The 
supervisors can't spare me. I manage their affairs to 
their perfect satisfaction, and all here in the parish 
would never think of complicating me. But the legis- 
lature may - we shall soon see. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO JOHN SHERMAN 

[January and February, i860]. 

DEAR BROTHER: I received your letter explaining 
how you happened to sign for that Helper book. Of 
course it was an unfortunate accident, which will be a 
good reason for your refusing hereafter your signature 
to unfinished books. After Clark's resolution, you were 
right, of course, to remain silent. I hope you will still 
Succeed, as then you will have ample opportunity to 
show a fair independence. 

The rampant southern feeling is not so strong in 
Louisiana as in Mississippi and Carolina. Still, hold- 
ing many slaves, they naturally feel the intense anxiety 



BEGINNING OF THE FIRST SESSION 119 

all must whose property and existence depend on the 
safety of their property and labor. I do hope that Con- 
gress may organize and that all things may move along 
smoothly. It would be the height of folly to drive the 
South to desperation, and I hope, after the fact is ad- 
mitted that the North has the majority and right to 
control national matters and interests, that they will 
so use their power as to reassure the South that there 
is no intention to disturb the actual existence of slavery. 

. . . The excitement attending the speakership 
has died away here, and Louisiana will not make any 
disunion moves. Indeed, she is very prosperous, and 
the Mississippi is a strong link, which she cannot sever. 
Besides, the price of negroes is higher than ever before, 
indicating a secure feeling. . . 

I have seen all your debates thus far, and no southern 
or other gentleman will question their fairness and dig- 
nity, and I believe, unless you are unduly provoked, 
they will ever continue so. I see you are suffering some 
of the penalties of greatness, having an awful likeness 
paraded in Harper's, to decorate the walls of country 
inns. I have seen that of Harper, and as the name is 
below, I recognize it. Some here say they see a like- 
ness to me, but I don't. 

. . . I don't like the looks of the times. This 
political turmoil, the sending commissions from state 
to state, the organization of military schools and estab- 
lishments, and universal belief in the South that dis- 
union is not only possible but certain, are bad signs. 
If our country falls into anarchy, it will be Mexico, only 
worse. I was in hopes the crisis would have been de- 
ferred till the states of the northwest became so popu- 
lous as to hold both extremes in check. Disunion would 
be Civil War, and you politicians would lose all charm. 



120 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

Military men would then step on the tapis, and you 
would have to retire. Though you think such a thing 
absurd, yet it is not so, and there would be vast numbers 
who would think the change for the better. 

I have been well sustained here, and the legislature 
proposes further to endow us well and place us in the 
strongest possible financial position. If they do, and 
this danger of disunion blow over, I shall stay here; 
but in case of a breach, I would go north. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Seminary, Friday Night, Jan. 13, i860. 

Dear General: . . . We are getting along well 
enough. On Monday next a week, I will order break- 
fast at seven, Mathematics, five classes a week from 
eight to eleven, French from eleven to one, Latin two 
to four, drill one hour daily- and that order will carry 
us to June. The tailor was to have been out to-day to 
measure for uniforms, but as usual he did not come. 
As soon as I have measures I will order fifty uniforms - 
coats, vests, and pants, hat and forage caps, also a suit 
of fatigue flannel - fifteen dollars per coat, vest, pants. 

I think there is no objection to the use of the extract 
of Bragg's letter. I also do not object to a reasonable 
use of John's letters to me. I think he would not like 
to appear to seek to counteract any prejudice against him 
in any quarter, save privately among gentlemen. Not 
for the public and press. Congressmen think their 
public record hard enough to reconcile to the changing 
opinions and prejudices of a wide-spread people. 

I saw him last summer, had much talk with him on 
this subject, and used all my influence to prevail on him 
to assume a high national tone, and understood him as 
asserting that no bill could be offered for any purpose 
in Congress without southern politicians bringing in 



BEGINNING OF THE FIRST SESSION 121 

some phase of the negro question. But on the subject 
of slave property in the states where it exists, or any 
molestation of the clear distinct rights relating thereto, 
guaranteed by the compact of government, he expressed 
in a speech in my hearing as emphatic a declaration as 
any one could. But as to nationalizing slavery or get- 
ting Congress to pass a distinct law about it in the ter- 
ritories that he will not do. I sent you his letter to show 
you my reason for asserting that he is no abolitionist. 
I could not understand his signing the Helper's card 
and wondered why he did not explain it in his place, 
but he could not do so after Clark's resolution. 

I did apprehend for a time that any feeling against 
him might be turned against me - not injuring me ma- 
terially as I have still open to me the London offer, but 
that my being here might prejudice the Seminary, a 
mere apprehension of which would cause me to act 
promptly -but I do not apprehend such a result now. 

Our grounds are being materially damaged by the 
hauling of heavy loads of wood by the front gate, over 
the only smooth ground we have for a parade; the 
ground being soft and the wagons turning upon the 
Bermuda grass, which is firmer than the road I feel 
much tempted to alter our fences - thus to run a fence 
from the rear of building straight to the road, and com- 
pel all loaded wagons for Jarreau or ourselves to enter 
to the side and rear. I think I could do all fencing by 
the men employed to saw and distribute wood, especial- 
ly as the weather grows warm giving more time. I 
could get the board for the fence of Waters, on account 
of his son who is with us. I estimate the entire cost of 
all the fencing necessary at two hundred dollars and I 
could do all that is necessary at one hundred fifty dol- 
lars, and it would add greatly to the appearance of the 
place. 



122 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

I made the measurements to-day and will make a 
diagram showing my meaning but of course I will do 
nothing without your sanction. We will have some of 
the construction fund left -as our furniture will all be 
taken by cadets at a small profit over cost. With pres- 
ent fences and gate constantly open our enclosure is full 
of hogs. We dare not kill them, and they root about 
and keep our premises nasty. I am full aware of the 
absolute necessity for economy and allude to the subject 
only, as I might now work in labor of men we must keep 
employed at the wood-pile; by using split posts I could 
further reduce cost; little by little anyway I will smooth 
the ground for drill. . . 

Saturday Eve. I have been busy all day in taking 
measures for clothing, in drill, examining applications 
for leave to visit home for Sunday, etc., and now as the 
hour approaches to send off my mail, I have no time 
even to look over what I wrote last night. Smith and 
Boyd go to-day to visit some Doctor from Virginia - to 
be absent till Monday- thirty-nine Cadets present. 

G. MASON GRAHAM TO W. T. SHERMAN 

Tyrone Plantation, Sunday, 1:15 p.m., January 15, 
i860. 

Dear Sir: Captain Jarreau has just left here, after 
bringing me yours of Friday night. I can well com- 
prehend the pressure on your time, which keeps you 
constantly busy, and therefore makes you write hurried- 
ly. I have more letters on hand now myself than I 
shall ever have time to answer. You were in this sort 
of hurry when you wrote me on the eleventh. . . 

I entirely approve and authorize your suggestions in 
regard to approaches and enclosures. You will see 
where I formerly had the gate put, in the neighborhood 
of where [you] propose to put it now, with the express 



BEGINNING OF THE FIRST SESSION 123 

view to avoid injury to the front ground. Its removal 
to its present site was the work of more thoughtful heads 
that succeeded me. 

In regard to the fencing, pine posts, whether sawed 
or split, will rot off very quick, the more lasting is the 
chinkapin, of which a good deal is generally to be found 
in the ravines and branch bottoms. If you cannot get it 
convenient to yourself the Pinewood's wagoners can get 
it for you, if they will. The gates I would move im- 
mediately. . . 

Rest assured that I neither have made nor will make 
any use of Colonel Bragg's or your brother's letters to 
you that you could yourself object to, although you 
could not show them to those that I can. The only 
persons I have shown them to are Dr. Smith, Mr. Man- 
ning, Captain Elgee, and Mr. Halsey and Goodwin in 
my room at Mr. Fellows' on Thursday night, and I 
should now return them to you but that there is one 
other person I am desirous to show them to. I showed 
them to Mr. Halsey not as an editor, yet because he is 
an editor too, in order that he might in that capacity 
say nothing ignorantly, but principally from the esti- 
mation in which I hold him as a gentlemanly and right 
minded man, as far as the occupation, that of a hired 
partizan editor, he is engaged in, will permit. . . 

I think the declaration of your brother in the House 
in one of the early days of the present session of Con- 
gress, and in the debate on the President's message in 
1856, republished in the National Intelligencer of the 
twentieth ult. ought to be sufficient for any thinking, re- 
flecting southern man, who has reason enough in him to 
admit of a difference of opinion between himself and 
other people. 

Demagogical politicians and partizan editors make 



124 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

all the mischief. Since 1830- 1833, I have always be- 
lieved and never hesitate to express myself so on all 
occasions, that southern people of the above classes, 
many of them northern and eastern born, have had quite 
as much to do with producing the troubles of the coun- 
try as any body else. 

For yourself, my dear Sir, if I had never seen you at 
all, a knowledge of the facts that you had passed through 
the Military Academy, had served and resided in the 
south, and enjoyed the confidence and friendship of 
Colonel Bragg, was enough for me. The use that I 
desired to make of your letters was to forestall any ap- 
prehensions on the minds of others, not to remove any 
that I knew of. Am truly glad to learn from you that 
your own mind is quiet on this point. 

W. T. Sherman's views on politics and slavery were in i860 
more moderate than those of his relatives. He disliked slavery 
and negro servants but saw no other solution of the labor prob- 
lem in the south. His letters on this point are somewhat amus- 
ing. Writing to his brother-in-law in regard to the prospect of 
Mrs. Sherman's coming south, he describes the situation as it 
appears to him. 

Louisiana State Seminary of Learning and Military 
Academy, Alexandria, Jan. 21, i860. 
. . . I have no doubt one of our first troubles will 
be that Ellen's 32 servants will all quit, after we have 
gone into debt to get them here, and then she will have 
to wait on herself or buy a nigger. What will you think 
of that - our buying niggers ? But it is inevitable. Nig- 
gers won't work unless they are owned, and white ser- 
vants are not to be found in this parish. Everybody 
owns their own servants. I suppose next fall we will 
bring some down from Ohio and after they leave and 

82 Mrs. Sherman. - Ed. 



BEGINNING OF THE FIRST SESSION 125 

get married to some roving Texas trader or carpenter 
with a few hundred dollars in pocket, we will be without 
servants and compelled to do without or buy. 

I have made this point to Ellen, and you must be care- 
ful in your Black Republican speeches not to be down 
on us too hard, for your own sister may be forced by 
necessity to traffic in human flesh. Niggers in a cotton 
or a sugar field are invaluable, but about a house they 
are dirty and of no account, but they monopolize the 
business and white girls or boys as servants won't come. 
Carpenters and mechanics are white, but nearly all labor 
is by slaves. Without them the cotton and sugar fields 
would relapse into cane brakes. 

We have sixty-four cadets, next year the number will 
be double. I have had my share of petty troubles and 
annoyances, but thus far have got along; but I won't be 
boastful how long I can keep it up, as the boys here are 
wilful and govern their parents despotically. 

The following letters by Sherman to his eldest daughter and 
his wife give interesting glimpses of Seminary life and show an- 
other side of the efficient superintendent's nature. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO HIS DAUGHTER MINNIE 

Seminary, Alexandria, La., Jan. 22, i860. 

Dear little Minnie : I have not written to you for 
a long time, but I have sent many messages to you and 
the children through your Mama, but as my letters have 
come very irregularly, I suppose mine to you have also 
been very irregular. It has rained very hard here, and 
the roads are so bad, that the stage which brings the 
mail can hardly travel. We have no railroads here 
and no telegraphs. 

Our school began the day after New Year's and every 
day since cadets have been coming, sometimes one and 



126 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

sometimes two a day. I have to write many letters to 
their fathers and mothers, who think I must take par- 
ticular care of their children, but I cause all to be treated 
just alike. They all recite every day in algebra, French, 
and Latin, besides which we drill them like soldiers an 
hour each day. At present I help the other professors, 
but after a while that won't be necessary, and therefore 
I will have more time. We now have fifty young men, 
some of whom are only fifteen years old and some are 
men, but all of them eat, sleep, study, and recite their 
lessons in this building. 

We put three or four in a room. All have their beds, 
which they make on the floor; at daylight they make up 
their beds, roll them up and strap them. They then 
sweep out their own room, and study their lessons till 
breakfast at seven o'clock, then they commence to recite 
and continue reciting till 4 p.m. when they are drilled 
an hour. At sundown they get supper and study their 
lessons till 10 o'clock, when all go to bed and sleep till 
day-light. 

They all seem to like it very much, and the governor 
of the state is much pleased at our arrangements and 
system. He has made a message to the legislature, rec- 
ommending much increase, and that suitable buildings 
should be erected for me and another professor, who 
has a family. If the legislature will do this then I will 
see that we have a good house, so that next year you and 
Mama, Lizzie, Willie, Tommy, and the baby will all 
come down to Louisiana, where maybe we will live all 
our lives. I think you will like it very much. 

There is no snow here now. We had snow only two 
days this winter, and there is plenty of good wood, but 
to-day it was so warm we did not need fires at all. The 
grass is beginning to grow, and the trees begin to look 



BEGINNING OF THE FIRST SESSION 127 

as though we would soon have flowers, but generally 
the leaves do not sprout until about March. 

I find the professors here very nice gentlemen, espe- 
cially Mr. Boyd and Mr. Smith. Mr. St. Ange is a real 
Frenchman, and we laugh a good deal at his oddities. 
Mr. Vallas has a family, several boys and one fine little 
girl about three years older than you. I know you will 
be nine years old when you get this letter. . . 

Your loving Papa. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO MRS. SHERMAN 

Seminary, Jan. 24, i860. 

. . . Things along here about as I expected. We 
have had many visitors - ladies with children, who part 
with them with tears and blessings, and I remark the 
fact that the dullest boys have the most affectionate 
mothers, and the most vicious boys come recommended 
with all the virtues of saints. Of course I promise to 
be a father to them all. 

We now have fifty-one and the reputation of the or- 
der, system, and discipline is already spreading and I 
receive daily letters asking innumerable questions. The 
legislature also has met and the outgoing Governor 
Wickcliffe has recommended us to the special attention 
of the legislature, and a bill is already introduced to 
give us $25,000 a year for two years, which is as long 
as the legislature can appropriate. I think from ap- 
pearances this bill will pass, in which case we can erect 
two professors' houses this summer. 

This sum of money will enable us to make a splendid 
place of this. In addition it is also proposed to make 
this an arsenal of deposit, which will increase its im- 
portance and enable me to avoid all teaching which I 
want to do, confining myself exclusively to the supervi- 
sion and management. Thus far not a soul has breathed 



128 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

a syllable about abolitionism to me. One or two have 
asked me if I were related to the gentleman of same 
name whose name figures so conspicuously in Congress. 
I of course say he is my brother, which generally amazes 
them because they regard him as awful bad. . . 

Professor Smith and Boyd are very clever gentlemen 
and so are Vallas and St. Ange but these are foreigners 
with their peculiarities. We have also a Dr. Sevier 
here, of Tennessee, a rough sort of fellow but a pretty 
fair sort of man. . . 

The first month of the session closed with affairs in good 
shape, as shown by the correspondence, which, however, dis- 
closes the existence of certain irritating local conditions, both at 
the Seminary and in Alexandria. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Seminary of Learning, Alexandria, Jan. 24, i860. 
Dear Sir: . . . There are two cadets that may 
call for action on my part, unless you think different: 
D — and one of the L — 's are so ignorant and evince so 
little effort to learn, that labor on them seems lost. I 
might construe the first month as a preliminary examin- 
ation, and being disqualified let them return home. This 
only after all possible means to excite ambition or in- 
dustry are exhausted. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Seminary, Sunday Evening, January 29, i860. 
Dear General: I received this p.m. your official 
letter on the rumor in town that some cadet had gone 
into a common grog shop and drank liquor. I forth- 
with embodied it into an order and published it at re- 
treat. I will bear my testimony to the general good 
behavior of the young men here, and I will not allow 
my mind to be prejudiced against them by any mere 



BEGINNING OF THE FIRST SESSION 129 

general assertion of any person in Alexandria. I do 
not believe the report. It may be true, and even if so, 
I hope we are able to plant the roots of this institution 
so deep in the soil of truth, honor, knowledge, and sci- 
ence, that it cannot be shaken by the mere clamor of 
any town. If the men of Alexandria have the interests 
of us at heart let them deal by us as fair men. 

If young men go into saloons, let them convey to me 
or to you openly, or even confidentially a statement, 
naming persons, and dates, and not [make] general, 
blind assertions, intangible, calculated to do mischief, 
and utterly incapable of good. I know there are some 
who may elude us, their teachers. We did it when 
boys, and boys will outwit their masters long after you 
and I are gone, but I know that generally the conduct 
of the young gentlemen here, at Alexandria, going and 
returning, has been as proper and fair as that of any 
other equal number at West Point or Lexington. I have 
indirectly satisfied myself of these truths, and shall per- 
mit a portion of them each Sunday to go as now under 
marchers and to return as now for dinner here. I do not 
expect them to do any thing else than young gentlemen 
but should any well established case of drinking or 
rowdyism occur, it shall be punished summarily. But 
I beg of you to demand of any informer specific facts. 

I hear that complaints are made by merchants, apothe- 
caries, booksellers, and hotel-men - even Dutchmen 
who cannot speak English - damning us because they 
can't make any money out of us. 

I repeat, the young men here, now fifty-one, are gen- 
erally well behaved, appear well-satisfied, are with a 
few exceptions progressing in their studies, and I never 
saw such manifest interest in the drill, we can hardly 
keep them back. They attend roll calls with great punc- 



i 3 o SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

tuality and we have no complaints of them other than 
would be naturally expected. They write many letters, 
the best kind of advertisement, and they can better 
spread the necessary information of the characteristics 
of the school than we could do by advertisements, circu- 
lars, or letters. 

I did intend to send Bragg a copy of your bill, 33 but I 
send the copy herewith to you. Mr. St. Ange will make 
you another copy, and if necessary you can send this to 
Bragg. I wrote him fully. I also wrote yesterday to 
Dr. Smith. I still have many letters of inquiry; all of 
which I answer fully or by sending an appointment. As 
you say we must jog along in studies at this irregular 
term till the legislature determine the exact character 
of this school and until a new working, practical Board 
of Control is organized. I hope that will be soon. 

I have been out fighting a fire which threatened a 
fence, and now have a tooth-ache, not calculated to 
make me cheerful. Sunday to me instead of a day of 
rest is one of dread, for fear of these very disagreeable 
rumors which I cannot help. . . 

[P.S.] By the way a Mrs. C — brought a son here a 
few days since, of proper age and appearance and I re- 
ceived him. She said she was in the family of Mr. 
Chambers, that she did not know the rules, etc., but that 
as soon as Mr. C — got up from New Orleans, she 
would send me the money. It is time I should hear 
from her. Do you know of her? Can you find out, as 
I had to act on her bare words, she being an utter stran- 
ger. The boy is a fine, bright, handsome boy, though not 
smart. I have notified Mrs. D — that she must send 
money for her son, and that without it I could [not] 
procure for him the uniform, about which they are very 
anxious. 

33 A bill providing for a more efficient organization of the Seminary. — Ed. 



BEGINNING OF THE FIRST SESSION 131 

Can you imagine where we could get fifty-five bayo- 
nets and scabbards? There are none in the State Arse- 
nal at New Orleans. The U.S. Arsenal at Baton Rouge 
is under a citizen, else I would make a desperate effort 
there, promising to pay, unless I could get an order 
from the Secretary of War. I would not dare approach 
Mr. Floyd, as Sherman is not a fair sounding name there 
just now. My aim is to have fifty-five muskets [pri- 
vates] and five sergeants and corporals, all uniformed 
early in March. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO THOMAS EWING 

Seminary, Jan. 29, i860. 

DEAR SIR: . . . I perceive no signs of insubordi- 
nation on the part of the cadets. On the contrary they 
are well behaved. No person here would think now of 
suspecting me, though I have made no promises or ad- 
vances. The governor too, Wickliffe, in his message, 
congratulates the people of Louisiana in having secured 
so good a faculty, and the new governor, Moore, has I 
know expressed himself well pleased at all I have done. 

I have initiated the Seminary, and its details work as 
smoothly as an older college, and already bills are intro- 
duced into the legislature to appropriate annually the 
sum of $25,000 which in addition to the fund accruing 
at interest on the proceeds of sale of U.S. lands will 
place us in good financial condition. Also, it is proposed 
to enlarge the number of State cadets to forty-eight, one 
from each parish, and to establish here a State Arsenal. 
If these be done or only in part this Seminary must be- 
come an important institution. It is furthermore pro- 
posed to change our title to the Louisiana Military 
Academy. The State of Louisiana is comparatively 
wealthy, and she is abundantly able to do these things 
handsomely. . . 



i 3 2 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

During the latter part of January the Seminary authorities 
were busy preparing a bill for the reorganization of the institu- 
tion, the previous law having been found defective. State Sena- 
tor S. A. Smith was in charge of the Seminary legislation. Since 
he disliked the military system and favored the University of 
Virginia organization it was necessary to consider his views in 
forming the proposed new law. Governor Wickliffe, the out- 
going executive, was favorable to the military system and in his 
message recommended that it be fixed by law. The Board of 
Supervisors in their annual report to the legislature asked that the 
title of the institution be changed and its military character be 
established by statute. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

SEMINARY, Friday p.m., Jan. 20, i860. 

DEAR Sir: ... I enclose herewith officially a 
letter received last night. You know how difficult it is 
to receive a cadet so far into the session. Indeed one 
class is kept confused by those arriving now. We have 
now forty-five. One great point to be arranged in the 
future is to devise some means whereby our classes will 
all start fair. I know fully that such a thing is impos- 
sible this term, and will receive all pay cadets come as 
they may -but the state cadets should be held to a 
stricter compliance or they are not so welcome. There 
are now eight state cadets now present. 

This warm weather gives me good time to clean up 
and I regret that you cannot come out to see us. I want 
to have the road opened, trees trimmed, and grading 
done as far as possible by the time the trees begin to 
leaf. I use only the servants during the time they are 
not engaged in sweeping and carrying wood. I shall at 
the end of January pay Jarreau and all the professors, 
taking vouchers. I think I ought to charge for my ser- 
vices in November and December at $1,000 a year as 
superintendent- little more than Jarreau received- 



BEGINNING OF THE FIRST SESSION 133 

$83.33 per month, waiving all claims to pay as professor 
for that time. Will you approve it? 

G. MASON GRAHAM TO S. A. SMITH 

Alexandria, Jan. 21, i860. 

DEAR Doctor: ... I endorse you, herewith, a 
draft of an act for making the Seminary a Military 
Academy by law, and I hope the reflections of your 
mind will bring you to the conclusion to support it. Look 
at the immense sum, $1,500,000, expended by the state 
in educational efforts; and where are the results? Not 
a vestige of them remains for any useful purpose. 

Look at the youth of the state, and the low grade of 
education pervading it. Look at the lethargy of the 
parents in regard to the education of their sons, and the 
reluctance of the sons to submit to control or guidance 
either at home or at school. The superintendent told 
me that already a very insubordinate . . . disap- 
pointment is manifested by several of the boys. The 
Academic Board has no power to punish in case of any 
difficulty; a meeting of the Board of Supervisors can 
hardly be obtained before next spring. The state must 
lend the whole aid of its power and influence to enable 
the institution to exercise a beneficial control. This can 
only be done by a military government- this makes the 
young men themselves a part of the power for governing 
themselves that soon becomes attractive and works bet- 
ter than any other system of college government. But 
the boys themselves will be very quick to perceive the 
difference between a system established by a gentleman 
and one established by a legislature authorizing with the 
little pomp and circumstance of military parade in 
music, colors, etc. The people of the state will be 
brought to take an interest in it that they never will take 
in any other kind of school or college. This I witnessed 



134 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

at Lexington, Va., in July, 1857, when six hundred peo- 
ple, come to witness the "commencement" of the Vir- 
ginia Military Institute, dined at one of the hotels of 
the place. 

REPORT OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS 
JANUARY, i860 

. . . The Board of Supervisors has adopted every 
means in its power, by the publication and circulation of 
circulars, newspaper articles, individual correspon- 
dence, etc., to disseminate information in regard to the 
institution, through the State. . . It will take some 
time to make it generally known, but the Board feels 
every confidence that when the people of the state shall 
become aware of the character of the able, upright, en- 
lightened, patriotic, and in every respect most admir- 
ably qualified corps of professors, which it has had the 
good fortune to combine in an Academic Board for this 
institution ; and with the order, regularity, method, neat- 
ness, sobriety, habits of study ensured by the military 
system of government, any harshness, in which it will 
be the constant study and aim of each and every instruc- 
tor to temper with parental care and kindness ; that then 
the institution will be filled to its utmost capacity with 
the high spirited and emulous youth of the state. . . 

The Board from its first organization, was deeply im- 
pressed with the necessity, and with an earnest anxiety 
to find some means of avoiding, for this school, the fate 
of every other previous effort on the part of the State of 
Louisiana to establish educational institutions, in which 
it has expended a million and a half of dollars, every 
one of which has ended in total failure. The Board has 
looked at all the various systems of education and of 
school government, and has come to the almost unani- 
mous conclusion that the safest system for us to adopt, 



BEGINNING OF THE FIRST SESSION 135 

and that most likely to ensure success, is the military sys- 
tem of government, combined with a certain degree of 
military instruction, similar to the State Military School 
at Lexington, in the State of Virginia. . . 

The Board is of opinion that the greatest obstacle in 
the way of the success of southern schools is found in the 
inherent propensity of southern youth to resist authority 
and control from any quarter with which they have no 
sympathy. This difficulty is admirably overcome by the 
military system in which the young men are themselves 
made an essential element in the governing power. But 
to do this effectually, and to give this school, and this 
experiment with it, a full and fair trial, it is indispen- 
sable that the General Assembly should lend the full 
force and aid of its influence, and the Board, therefore, 
earnestly and urgently recommends to, and asks of the 
General Assembly to make this a military school by law, 
changing its style and title from the long and inconven- 
ient one of "The Seminary of Learning of the State of 
Louisiana," to the shorter, more convenient, and more 
expressive one of "The Louisiana Military Academy," 
assigning to the professors military rank and title, as 
in the Virginia school, where it is found to give them 
a prestige and influence with the young men which 
they could not otherwise enjoy. In the words of our 
circular: . . . 

The military system is not necessarily designed to make sol- 
diers, but it teaches subordination to the laws and constituted 
authorities of the state; it exercises a wise and wholesome re- 
straint over young men, at a period of their life when restraint 
is necessary and proper; and also teaches them the use of arms, 
and the science of organization, a knowledge of great importance 
to every civilized government. Moreover, it does not withdraw 
their minds from study, but affords them healthful exercise 
during hours otherwise devoted to listless or mischievous idle- 
ness. 



IV. STUDENT TROUBLES - SHERMAN 
PLANS TO GO TO ENGLAND 

Student troubles at the Seminary. Sherman dismisses the delinquents. 
Hair grease on Dr. Vallas's blackboards. Parents approve Sherman's disci- 
pline. One father's protest. Graham explains the necessity for strict dis- 
cipline. Why the regulations were not printed. Troubles subside. Sherman 
receives the offer of a commercial position in London. His family and rela- 
tives wish him to go. Graham's proposition to induce him to remain. The 
legislature seems to be unfavorable to the Seminary. Sherman agrees to defer 
until the legislature acts. Bragg's account of the legislative attitude toward 
the Seminary. Sherman goes to Baton Rouge. The Seminary measures before 
the legislature. Sherman publicly expresses his views on slavery. He decides 
to accept the London offer. Visits New Orleans. Goes to Ohio on a visit. 
Decides to remain in Louisiana. 

It was not until the close of the first month that insubordina- 
tion occurred among the students. Before this the novelty of 
school life had occupied the attention of those undisciplined 
young men who had been sent to the Seminary as a last resort 
by their parents. The outbreak was unexpected and Sherman 
acted characteristically, both in firmly suppressing the trouble 
and in becoming discouraged afterward. The correspondence 
relating to one of the cases discloses the state of affairs with 
which the authorities had to contend until ten or twelve of the 
insubordinate students were expelled. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Seminary of Learning, Jan. 30, i860. 
Sir: A case has this day arisen requiring my prompt 
action under the paragraph of regulations quoted be- 
low: 

"In extraordinary cases of resistance to authority, calling for 
immediate action, the superintendent may adopt the measures 
necessary to maintain order and good discipline, but in all such 
cases he shall forthwith submit to the Board of Supervisors his 
report in writing of all the facts and reasons for his action." 



138 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

Cadet D. F. H — h was reported to the commandant 
of cadets, by Cadet S. M. H — s, acting as sergeant for 
some delinquency. He made an excuse in writing, 
which the commandant of cadets referred to Mr. H — s 
for explanation. Just before drill this p.m., Mr. H — s 
spoke to Cadet H — h about the excuse; some words 
passed resulting in Mr. H — s using the word "lie." 
H — h retorted the same when H — s struck. H — h then 
went to his room and returned with a dirk knife, and 
renewed the altercation with the knife open, and threat- 
ening to use it. I have the knife and it is of the bowie 
knife pattern. 

Mr. Smith happening to be near, interfered and 
caused Mr. H — h to go to his room and remain there 
during drill. At the moment I was showing some visi- 
tors through the building. As soon as the matter was 
reported to me, I forthwith informed Mr. H — h that 
no possible cause or provocation could justify or palliate 
the use or display by a member of this Seminary of a 
deadly weapon: and that he must leave. I made an 
order to that effect, and although I told him he could 
remain till morning, still he preferred to leave to-day. 

I will to-morrow cause the whole truth to be deter- 
mined and recorded, and if Mr. H — s is to blame, he 
too must be punished according to the degree of offence. 
The word "lie" must never be used here, with impunity, 
but I assert the broad principle, that no word, or even 
blow must for a moment give a pretext for the use of a 
deadly weapon. 

ORDER OF DISMISSAL 

Seminary of Learning, January 30, i860. 
ORDER No. 9. Cadet D. T. H — h, having in an angry 
controversy with another cadet drawn a dirk or a bowie 
knife, is hereby summarily dismissed. 



STUDENT TROUBLES 139 

The superintendent in this connection does not deem 
it necessary to look to the provocation. Here no possible 
provocation can justify such an act. 

W. T. Sherman, Superintendent. 

JxNo. W. Sevier, Adj. S.S.L. 

AN ACADEMIC COURT MARTIAL 

Seminary of Learning, January 31, i860. 
Order No. 10. Professors Vallas, Smith, and St. 
Ange will assemble at the office at 3 p.m., this day, and 
examine into all the facts of the altercation between Ca- 
dets S. W. H — s and D. T. H — h, between the hours of 
4 p.m. and the drill call of yesterday, and will report the 
same as soon as concluded, with a synopsis of the testi- 
mony elicited. The Board will question witnesses, who 
are bound by the obligations of honor, and good faith 
to reveal without prejudice or favor the whole truth. 

2. During the pending of this inquiry, Cadet S. M. 
H — s will be suspended from the duties of acting order- 
ly sergeant, and the commandant of cadets will name 
some other cadet to call the rolls. 

3. The Board, if necessary will adjourn from time to 
time to such hours as will not materially interfere with 
the academic exercises. 

W. T. Sherman, Superintendent. 
Jno. W. Sevier, Adj. S.S.L. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Seminary of Learning, Alexandria, Feb. 2, 1 860. 

Sir : I enclose you herewith the original proceedings 
of a Board assembled by my order to examine and ascer- 
tain the truth touching the affair between Cadets H — s 
and H — h. To hesitate one moment in showing the 
judgment of the institution on the great criminality of 
actually brandishing and threatening to use a keen dag- 



i 4 o SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

ger, would in my judgment endanger the actual exist- 
ence of our authority. Therefore I dismissed Mr. 
H — h forthwith, and after awaiting a day or so will 
make up his accounts and return to his parents the bal- 
ance of cash due him and hold his books and private 
property subject to his order. 

In the case of S. M. H — s there was not the same rea- 
son for the assumption of power on my part : but there is 
no less a necessity that even handed justice be done. By 
the testimony, Mr. H — s did first address H — h, did 
first use the word "lie," which is among all boys deemed 
a fighting insult, and moreover H — s did strike the first 
blow. He was in a position of trust and authority. He 
is full grown, larger that H — h, has been at the Military 
School at Nashville and was every way supposed to be 
a leader from age, qualifications, and experience. 

I therefore think there are no palliating circum- 
stances and on the rule that he caused the blind anger 
that made H — h resort to a [weapon], he too should 
suffer the penalty, the same as H — h. And be dismissed 
firmly, mildly, but without recall. 

With two such prominent examples we shall never 
again I hope hear the lie, or have the life or safety of a 
cadet in danger from a pistol or knife. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO MRS. SHERMAN 

Seminary, Feb. 3, i860. 
I am half sick to-night- have had the trouble that I 
anticipated with these boys. Some of them are very 
good but some are ill bred and utterly without discipline. 
A few nights since one cadet reported another -it re- 
sulted in mutual accusations, the lie, blow, and finally 
the knife - fortunately it was not used. I dismissed the 
one with the knife instanter- the other after examina- 
tion I thought equally to blame for first giving the lie. 



STUDENT TROUBLES 141 

Yesterday the friends of all parties came and after mak- 
ing all sorts of apologies I had to listen. Fortunately 
both were fine young men and no doubt the affair was 
one of passion and of sudden broil. 

It is against the rules for cadets to use tobacco - but 
we know that they do use it, but this morning one did 
it so openly that I supposed he did it in defiance. I 
went to his room to see him but he was out and in the 
drawer of his washstand I found plenty of tobacco. I, 
of course, emptied it into the fireplace. Soon after the 
young gentleman named C — d came to me, evidently in- 
stigated by others and complained of ill treatment and 
soon complained of my opening his drawer, intimating 
that it was a breach of propriety. Of course I soon ad- 
vised him that his concealment and breach of regula- 
tions well known to him was the breach of honor. He 
said he would not stay and after some preliminaries I 
shipped him. Another came with a similar complaint 
and I sent him off and then the matter ended. These 
two last were dull at books and noisy quarrelsome fel- 
lows and a good riddance. We had fifty-three now fifty- 
one. 

We have refused to receive many after the first in- 
stant and I have now an application from thirty in one 
school, but we think it best now to await the action of 
the legislature to ascertain what they propose to do for 
us and I also think it best to prepare some forty steady 
young men as a nucleus on which to build the hereafter. 

The weather has been very fine for the past ten days - 
except one frosty day. It is now pretty warm and the 
grass and trees begin to indicate spring- gardens are 
being fixed for vegetables - here the land is too poor, 
and yet there are fine orchards of apples, pear, plum, 
peach, and fig. All say they have abundance of figs and 



i 4 2 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

peaches and they also boast of pears and plums. Apples 
and cherries not so well. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Seminary of Learning, February 6, i860. 

SIR: I have the honor herewith to enclose your two 
papers, being the resignation of Cadets S. M. H — s, 
A. P. W — s, and state cadet R. A. W — 1. 

As these persons have all left the Seminary without 
leave, or authority and in a spirit of defiance, I shall re- 
port them tomorrow as "deserted," and give their par- 
ents a statement of their accounts, with an outline of the 
facts attending their departure. 

Cadet S. M. H — s is the person first installed as act- 
ing first sergeant. Whilst in that capacity I reproved 
him for using his office to expose a young gentleman just 
arrived as a sentinel with a broom stick on one of the 
gallaries. Again he was the party who first began the 
affray with Cadet H — h, for which he was deprived of 
his office. Since that time he has been careless, absent- 
ing himself from roll call, etc. And this morning in 
connection with Cadet W — s he handed me the enclosed 
resignation which I told him should be forthwith trans- 
mitted to the Board of Supervisors. He told me he 
should not wait for their action but was going off, as he 
did not like the way things were managed generally. I 
informed him he had a perfect right to complain, and if 
in writing I would forward his complaint - but that he 
would not do. And without further ado he has gone. 

W — s's case is somewhat similar except in this - last 
week he was reported by Professor Boyd for singing in 
a loud voice from one of the upper windows in a tone 
which enabled Professor Boyd on the ground to dis- 
tinguish the words, "a Blackguard Song." For this, I 



STUDENT TROUBLES 143 

reproved him. And yesterday, Sunday, he asked leave 
to go and see his mother. I refused him permission, and 
told him why. 

Many of the cadets have recently made urgent appli- 
cations to me for spending money. I always must know 
to what purpose it is applied. And have in most in- 
stances refused, because of the quantity of tobacco used, 
fouling our galleries and rooms to a filthy extent. I will 
not be privy to the purchase of forbidden articles. 

On Saturday a state cadet, W — 1, applied for money. 
I asked him what for -he answered the "Dentist." I 
then gave him a written order on a dentist in Alexandria 
to properly fix his teeth. After some time he returned 
complaining that that was no way to treat a gentleman. 
On Sunday, yesterday, he again made application or 
rather a formal complaint. In the interview I even ex- 
plained my reasons, but he was evidently pushed for- 
ward by others, for he seemed to feel that he was wrong, 
but this morning he again applied to go to town to the 
dentist asking for the first time a specific sum of five 
dollars. 

I then told him that I would send in for the dentist 
and for him to be ready at 1 1 a.m. - this too puzzled 
him. He wanted money, for some specific purpose but 
not for the dentist, for he came again and said I need 
not send for the dentist. He openly boasted of the 
wealth of his parents and connections leaving on my 
mind an inference I need not express, as he is entered as 
of indigent parents. He too has gone. And I will add 
that the Seminary is no loser in any who has gone. 

We have fifty left, one or two more may renew their 
vain struggle to do as they please, but I have no appre- 
hensions of more than two. If any cadet absent himself 
stubbornly, and with avowed purpose from his recita- 



144 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

tions and roll call, I will dismiss him summarily. If 
they resign I will refer their resignations. But if they 
leave without awaiting the answer of the Board, they 
must stand of record "deserted." 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Seminary, Feb. 8, i860. 

Dear General, . . . It is all moonshine about 
twenty or thirty leaving. H — s and W — s flattered 
themselves as being leaders and that their influence 
would be fatal to us. We have not lost a drill, a recita- 
tion, and have all slept more comfortably since. Indeed 
had I yielded one jot last Sunday and Monday, farewell 
to government, cadets, not professors would have ruled. 
I believe all now see their mistake. W — s and H — s 
thought we could not do without them. The new Order- 
ly Sergeant Cushman is a better soldier than either to- 
day. 

The affair of H — h was thus : last Saturday at supper, 
we heard too much noise at the table. Mr. Smith 
stepped to the door and whilst there H — s, the younger, 
the one now here made some offensive remark- he was 
the head of one table; S. M. H — s, the elder, the head of 
another; Mr. Smith at once removed H — s from his 
place, and allowed H — h who sat next to him to act as 
carver temporarily. 

He is no longer carver, was changed as soon as this in- 
ference was noticed - the boy only acted as marcher 
from the porch to the table - he had no authority, but 
even that was temporary. Of course I had nothing to do 
with this. It fell exceedingly under Mr. Smith, and was 
accidental. The elder H — s was not spoken to, in no 
wise concerned, and sat as the carver at the head of his 
table up to the time of his departure. Therefore no 
distinction was made between them - both on the same 



STUDENT TROUBLES 145 

footing. I understand he is over at Mrs. W — s. I en- 
close a note I got from her yesterday. She understands 
the point. The whole truth is this: both H — s and 
W — s presumed on their importance and feeling others 
creeping up to and past them thought to soften their 
certain downfall. 

I enclose to Bragg to-day your bill (a copy thereof) 
and wrote him to favor Wickliffe's bill. Let any one 
who finds fault with the removal of obstreperous apply 
to Bragg- he understands the case. 

Yesterday morning all the blackboards and chairs in 
Dr. Vallas's section room were bedaubed with hair 
grease. It took the drummer and two black boys all day 
to clean it off with hot soap suds ; but I got a thread, un- 
ravelled it and found the party to blame. He insisted 
he did not do it and as the proof was not conclusive, I 
told him he should be charged the expense of cleaning 
and repainting, which he consented to do. I cannot now 
overlook anything. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Seminary of Learning, February 10, i860. 

Dear General : I received your note yesterday, and 
feel sorry that you are troubled by the condition of af- 
fairs now. All things are working here smoothly. All 
appearance of dissatisfaction has disappeared and reci- 
tations and drills have not been interrupted one moment. 
Parents too have responded so manfully that the cadets 
see their mistake - their complaints of tyranny and treat- 
ment like negroes are ridiculed by their parents. 

I had a very long interview with Mr. H — s and 
Judge C — 1 yesterday. Showed them the record, or- 
ders, delinquincies, and class reports and Mr. H — s ad- 
mitted there was not a break in the chain and that I 
could not have acted otherwise. I had received two 



146 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

letters for Cadet S. M. H — s which I handed his father. 
He made us read one from him, which was so proper, 
manly, and father-like, that I warmed to him at once, 
and felt deep sympathy. Could I have obeyed my mere 
feelings I would have offered no obstacle to the return 
of S. M. H — s, but I am convinced that under the most 
favorable circumstances he can never hold office here or 
occupy a position of trust or confidence, that consequent- 
ly he will never be content but prove a restless example, 
that all I can now advise is that his resignation be ac- 
cepted by the Board and the record thus made clear. 
And then he will return home with his father and study 
some new profession. The other son is more seemingly 
anxious to remove some of his reports, already exceed- 
ing fifty demerits, and to make an effort to proceed in 
his studies. If he do this I will favor him all possible. 

Mr. Cushman whom we installed as acting first ser- 
geant is intelligent, manly, ambitious -very forward in 
study, and forms the company and calls the roll better 
than H — s. Indeed there is a palpable manifest im- 
provement in the tone here since the emeute horrible. 

Mr. H — s yesterday remarked unguardedly that the 
military feature of this school would soon be changed. 
I expressed myself emphatically that personally I was 
unconcerned but that it would be fatal. One hundred 
young men in this building under a civil government 
would tear down the building and make study impos- 
sible. With our frequent roll calls, and the other regu- 
lations it is all we can do to keep quiet. I think both 
Mr. H — s and Judge C — 1 changed their opinions 
before they left. Mr. H — s did not clearly indicate his 
line of conduct but said he would be out again. I cannot 
again receive H — s under his old appointment, unless by 
a formal resolution of the Board of Supervisors, which 



STUDENT TROUBLES 147 

to me would be an order. I have no objection to his in- 
formal resignation. I am sorry I allowed P — n and 
C — d to resign - but I then thought it safest - and least 
liable to abuse. 

I have just received yours of to-day and will make up 
an abstract of T — r's recitations - he has been reported 
to me several times for neglect of studies. If anybody 
has spoken an unkind word to him I know it not. This 
general mode of complaint is not worthy of notice. Mr. 
T — r will be most welcome here, and a visit might bene- 
fit the son. 

The firm stand of the authorities in dealing with the student 
outbreak and the dissatisfaction of some of the remaining students 
with the rigid military system which exacted of them unaccus- 
tomed obedience caused protests from certain parents fearful for 
the liberties of their sons. A typical case is here illustrated. 

P. T— R TO GENERAL GRAHAM 

Cheneyville, La., Feb. 9, i860. 

Dear Sir: I am induced to address you in reference 
to the officers of the State Seminary from the promi- 
nent position you occupy and have occupied as the most 
persevering and untiring friend of that institution. I 
believe it to be the last best hope of Louisiana's sons. 
Therefore its interests are mine and every other citizen's. 

Will our sons submit to the arbitrary commands of 
dictators or shall the officers be governed by the laws of 
the institution? If the Board of Trustees enact and en- 
force a code of laws which regulates the conduct of offi- 
cers and students good may be effected; but I fear the 
effects of stringent personal command. I am aware that 
boys are hard to be pleased or governed and especially 
if they suppose the government to originate in the mere 
will of the superior. 

I hope the Board of Directors will speedily enact a 



148 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

code and publish it to the students. I depend particu- 
larly upon General Graham for the future usefulness of 
that institution and hope he will make immediate in- 
quiries into the condition and government of the insti- 
tution. 

G. MASON GRAHAM TO P. T— R 

Tyrone Plantation, February 10, i860. 

Dear Sir: . . . I understand the subject of your 
letter to be that the cadets at the State Seminary are 
spoken to by the officers of the institution in too authori- 
tative a manner, and that their commands are sometimes 
"arbitrary." If you will spend a day at the Seminary I 
think you will understand the better. There everything 
must move by the clock and to the minute. This requires 
quick motion on the part of every one (to which, as you 
doubtless know, our boys are but little accustomed - ex- 
cept, indeed, when they are after mischief, and then they 
are rather too quick) ; hence the quick, authoritative, 
decided tone of voice necessarily assumed by military 
men. This at first, and for some time, grates harshly on 
the ears and feelings of boys who have been accustomed 
to home tones and to take as long time as they pleased to 
do a thing, or to go to a place that they haven't much 
fancy for, and it is natural enough therefore that he 
should be, even unduly, sensitive under it. 

It is for us at home, parents and citizens, to guard our- 
selves that we do not suffer the reflection of this sensi- 
tiveness to exercise an undue influence on our feelings. 
I think that some gentlemen have sent chronic cases to 
this institution as their last hope for a cure, but we do 
not intend to keep that kind of a hospital. Before we 
have been able to get rid of them, however, they have 
sown some bad seed, which will take a little time, care, 
and patience all round, to eradicate. 



STUDENT TROUBLES 149 

As to the regulations, for the government of all con- 
nected with the institution, they were prepared with 
much care and labor about the middle of November by 
a Board convened for the purpose by an order of the 
Board of Supervisors at a meeting in August last, and 
composed of three members of this Board and the mem- 
bers of the Academic Board. That they were not pub- 
lished and placed in the hands of each as was intended to 
have been done, was no fault of any member of the insti- 
tution or myself, but arose from the [illegible], though 
doubtless well-intentioned, assumption of authority on 
the part of an individual member, in whose hands the 
manuscript had been placed for preservation, but 
[who], when called for it by the superintendent at the 
moment of his departure for New Orleans, to take with 
him to be printed, refused to give it up for that purpose, 
on the ground that they had not been submitted to the 
Board of Supervisors, although that Board had ad- 
journed from August to next May, having ordered the 
institution to be opened on the first Monday in January, 
and the regulations to be prepared for its government. 

In this dilemma, I directed the superintendent to have 
such portions as related to the duties, studies, division 
of time, and deportment of cadets, copied in writing and 
placed on order boards in the hall where all could see, 
read, and copy them. 

That the professors should not sometimes be irritated 
at the unaccountable tricks of the boys, would be expect- 
ing too much of even professors' nature. As an ex- 
ample a morning or two since, when the professor of 
mathematics met his class, he found his own chair and 
all of his blackboard thickly smeared with hair-grease, 
which it took the only two servants the institution is 
able to afford, near half a day to cleanse them of, and 



150 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

then they had to be repainted. The only punishment the 
superintendent imposed on the offender, who was 
brought to taw, was to make him pay the expense of 
cleansing and repainting. 

The cadets are allowed, and encouraged, to go to 
church on Sabbath day. A list is taken of those desiring 
to go, and they are placed under the charge of the most 
responsible cadet of the squad. In two instances citizens 
of Alexandria reported to me that some of them were 
seen in grogshops. In the first instance I apprised the 
superintendent, in the second I wrote him a letter de- 
signed for effect on the young men. To show you the 
character of the man it has been our real good fortune 
to obtain the services of for this position, I enclose you 
his reply- and have no objection, to your showing it to 
some of your friends, although it is written with the un- 
reserve of private correspondence. 34 . . . Whilst 
he will require them to discharge their duties, one alike 
to themselves, their family, and their institution, he is 
loath to believe ill of them, and I stand up in their de- 
fense. 

It can hardly be expected that everything will work 
smooth at the [beginning] in such an institution as this. 
Time, patience, care, and forethought is - to use a surgi- 
cal term -the "lubricating fluid" [illegible], and then 
it will be a gallant ship entering on an open sea of suc- 
cess after having surmounted the shoals and quicksands 
of navigation. 

A great help to this will be in home-folk impression- 
ing the conviction that "there is no other name known 
unto men, whereby he can" get creditably through this 
institution, but order and industry. . . 

34 See pages 128-129. — Ed. 



STUDENT TROUBLES 151 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Saturday, Feb. 10, i860. 

Dear General : Mr. Smith goes to visit you to-day. 
St. Ange is sick, and I am ordered by a higher power 
than our tyrannical military dictator to teach Spanish - 
I mean by tyrant necessity. Well I can give them the 
true "greaser" pronunciation which is the Spanish they 
will use in after life as we ride over and trample down 
that vestige of a once brave and noble people that stands 
in the way of our boasted civil progress. 

Every time I think of Mr. T — r's letter I feel inclined 
to laugh. The idea of T — r's being oppressed is too 
good. Last evening after drill I could not resist the 
temptation to call him to me, and ask him who had op- 
pressed him here. He said Mr. Boyd. What had Mr. 
Boyd done? Why one boy tied a pig's-tail to another 
boy's coat, as they were marching into their recitation 
room, and he was so convulsed with laughter thereat 
that Mr. Boyd ordered him to quit the section-room. 

That was the tyranny, and that was all, the precision 
of time, the fine course of study spread before them, the 
regular and good supplies of food, clothing, lights, etc., 
everything that any gentleman's son could expect are 
nothing; but because T — r was ordered to quit the sec- 
tion room very properly by his professor, he must tell a 
cock and bull story to his father and he must undermine 
the authority of gentlemen whom he has never seen. 
There is the radical cause of the destruction of every 
educational establishment in Louisiana. Parents while 
they boast of the hardships they overcame in early life 
and admire the brave and noble deeds of the past, are 
willing to listen to and extend the whims of their boys, 
who have nobody to wash their faces and comb their 
hair in the morning. 



152 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

Indeed are you the rock, alone on which can be built 
any structure in Louisiana, with any chance of stability. 
I say this in no spirit of flattery, and I deeply, painfully 
regret that you are afflicted both in your eyes and the un- 
ceasing calls on your time and patience. I ought from 
this cause alone to abstain from boring you with long 
letters, in so rapid and illegible a hand. 

I have read your letters to Mr. T — r, to Mr. Smith, 
and to Mr. Boyd and we could not help laughing at 
T — r's complaint. 

[P.S.] St. Ange is in no serious danger. We have 
had some pretty bad dinners, but the day before yester- 
day it came to a crisis and brought St. Ange to death or 
rather his injective apparatus. The rest of us bear with 
patience Jarreau's prolonged absence, and the want of 
foresight and preparation that must not be - for the first 
time yesterday the report came in of a scarcity of meat 
on the cadet's tables which I must notice. 

Early in February, i860, the commercial concern which had 
already made Sherman an offer to act as its representative in Lon- 
don sent an agent to Louisiana to renew the offer and to urge its 
acceptance. The correspondence shows that Sherman, owing to 
disturbed political conditions, to the opposition directed against 
the military system, and to the uncertainty about a legislative 
appropriation for the support of the Seminary, was disposed to 
accept the position. But the offer afforded an opportunity for 
those in authority to convince him that he was appreciated in 
Louisiana. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Seminary, Feb. 8th, i860. 
Dear General: As to-morrow is mail day I will 
begin now to make up a budget for you ; first your letter 
from Dr. Smith is returned and along with it I send an- 
other of later date, more pointed, showing a weakening 
on the subject of the Seminary. I was sorry to see this, 



STUDENT TROUBLES 153 

for, as Governor Wickliffe had broken the ice, I thought 
his friends and Governor Moore's united would settle it 
without contest. I enclose my answer for your perusal 
asking you to seal and forward by the succeeding mail. 

I am now in possession of certain facts that may affect 
me. You know that a certain commercial company 
offered me a certain salary to go to London and I was 
actually in correspondence with them when advised I 
had been elected to this post. The first overtures came 
to me at Leavenworth after I wrote my application to 
the Board of Supervisors. 

Upon notice of my election to this I notified those 
parties that I preferred the certainty and stability of this 
to their project. Time has passed on. Their prepara- 
tions are all made, and certain of their European co- 
partners having committed themselves on condition that 
I should be, in London, the depository of their bonds 
and securities have renewed their efforts, and on Janu- 
ary ninth held a meeting in Cincinnati, during which 
they agreed to guarantee and secure to me fifteen thou- 
sand dollars for two years' service, salary to begin on my 
acceptance and a certain amount three thousand five 
hundred dollars, to be subject to my draft now - and 
furthermore they appointed one Wm. F. R — n to pro- 
ceed to this place, to confer with me and contract with 
me on the above basis. R — n writes me under date of 
January 17 that he starts from Cincinnati the next day 
for New York -whence he will come to New Orleans 
and Alexandria, prepared to develop to me the plan 
and details, to be here between the fifth and tenth of 
February. I expect him daily. 

Mr. Ewing, Mrs. Sherman's father, writes me urgent- 
ly to go, and even Mrs. Sherman prefers it to coming 
South with our children. Still I mistrust all financial 
schemes. Just seven years ago I was similarly situated 



154 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

in New Orleans, commissary U.S. army, when Mr. Lu- 
cas and Henry Turner, two as fine gentlemen as ever 
lived, came and prevailed on me to go to California as 
banker with prospects more brilliant than those now of- 
fered me. I went and without any fault, negligence, or 
want of ability I was involved by the losses of others; 
so that I am mistrustful of finance and financiers. 

I think if this were a state seminary with the stability 
of one I would stand by it, but if it is to struggle alway, 
dependent on the whims and caprices of boys, unaided, 
even burdened by the state by an unjust tax (the support 
of sixteen) , 35 and as subject to accident as any other pri- 
vate scheme, I would do myself and family an injustice 
to prefer this to the other - for by the other I am certain 
of $15,000 for two years - of which I would save a large 
fraction, whereas here all I would look for would be an 
honorable position, and pleasant future for my family 
and children. 

Mr. Ewing in urging me to accept this project, did so, 
on an inference that because John Sherman had made a 
mistake I might be suspected here, my position weak- 
ened, and the cadets rendered thereby insubordinate, 
and he further advised me to decline to receive any com- 
pensation for the past, as my leaving might subject me 
to the imputation of an unfulfilled contract. I have 
written him and all my northern friends, that no gentle- 
man here has spoken one unkind or disrespectful word 
of John Sherman, but on the contrary that I thought 
John's carelessness in allowing his name to be used for 
a purpose as foreign to his mind and heart, as of yours, 
deserved failure. He is young, ambitious, and let him 
be more circumspect in future. 

In like manner, though the boys here last week were 

35 Beneficiary cadets. — Ed. 



STUDENT TROUBLES 155 

insubordinate, that too cannot be attributed to any idea 
of theirs that they can displace me. Every professor 
here will bear testimony that the dismissals thus far 
were absolutely necessary, and has resulted well. 

Dr. Smith's letter is the first positive event that has 
shaken me, and made me seriously think of R — n. I will 
not say one word more till he come, except, that then I 
must act accordingly to my convictions. Only I promise 
to give full time for a successor and to do everything in 
the premises a gentleman should. . . 

G. MASON GRAHAM TO GOVERNOR THOMAS O. 

MOORE 

Tyrone Plantation, February 9, i860. 

My dear sir: Although well aware of all the 
troubles, perplexities, worriments and annoyances to 
which your new career of executive life subjects you in 
its outset, yet here is a matter, which with all my repug- 
nance to be obtrusive, my sense of everything that is 
right will not allow me to refrain from inflicting on you. 

You will see from the enclosed copy of a letter re- 
ceived last night, with some official communications 
from Major Sherman, and which I have risen at five 
o'clock this morning to copy, that we are in imminent 
danger of losing our irreplacable superintendent, the 
apprehension of which has kept me awake for more than 
half the night. 

Although coming to me under the injunction implied 
by the mark "confidential," I have felt that a higher duty 
required that I should communicate it to you in both of 
your official capacities, saying to you at the same time 
that I have no objection to your using it with the same 
discreet confidence among those you may desire to con- 
fer with. Particularly I would be glad that you would 



156 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

show it in this manner to Doctor Smith, Doctor Clarke, 
and Mr. Wise. I would also be gratified that you 
would confer with Colonel Bragg because he has 
known Major Sherman intimately for twenty years and 
understands his character and qualities better than I do. 

I have seen enough, however, to satisfy me that we 
could not hope to get again exactly such another man for 
the position - one of so clear, quick, and decided a 
mind -such practised administrative and executive 
qualities - such experienced and varied knowledge of 
men, the world and its business, combined with such 
kindliness of heart and parental care and thoughtful- 
ness. I have found fully realized in him all which Gen- 
eral Gibson, Colonel J. P. Taylor (brother of the late 
president), and other gentlemen told me in Washington 
last September, when they said, in the words of Colonel 
Taylor, "if you hunted the whole army from one end of 
it to the other, you could not have found a man in it 
more admirably suited for the position in every respect 
than Sherman." 

In this connection also I beg to ask your perusal of the 
enclosed letter from Major Buell, one of the assistant 
adjutants-general of the army, at present and for some- 
time past occupying the position of confidential military 
adviser to the secretary of war -I also beg to enclose 
you the first letter I ever received from Major Sherman, 
regretting that I have not also to send you his letter of 
application to the Board. 

Now! What is to be done? I wish to be prepared for 
Mr. R — n's arrival, hoping that the accidents of travel 
and business may have delayed him long enough for me 
to hear from you in the meantime. Already too prolix, 
I will answer my own question in brief. Let us offer 
Major Sherman, if necessary to retain him, five thousand 
dollars a year, and as an excuse for doing so let us add 



STUDENT TROUBLES 157 

to his duties those of treasurer and purser, which now he 
in reality discharges. And I assure you that the State 
of Louisiana will never have invested money that will 
pay a better interest. Many men may be capable to 
make laws for a nation, to govern a state, to preside on 
the bench, but I tell you a man competent to govern, 
control, instruct a large educational institution is of rare 
occurrence. And if we throw away this one there is but 
little likelihood that we can replace him. This is but 
fifteen hundred dollars more than he now receives, and 
whilst I am satisfied that no such idea as increased com- 
pensation, with such a view, has entered his mind, for he 
has repeatedly said "you pay your professors very liber- 
ally, and have a right to expect them to work" and I 
have never known a more unsordid and unselfish gen- 
tleman, yet I think that an assurance of that amount, 
with a comfortable house for his family, will decide him 
immovably against Mr. R.'s offers. Action in this mat- 
ter either by the General Assembly, or by the Board of 
Supervisors, cannot be had immediately, but if you and 
Dr. Smith determine that it shall be done, there will be 
but little difficulty in effecting it, and in the event of 
such determination, let us three, you, Smith and I, 
guarantee to Major Sherman five thousand dollars a 
year for five years, conditioned of course, on the reten- 
tion during that time of his health and efficiency. 

It will not be this amount of money which will in- 
fluence him so much, as the relief he will thereby ex- 
perience from the apprehension which is becoming 
somewhat morbid with him, that occurring political 
events, and the position of his brother in the U.S. Con- 
gress, may or do conspire to affect his position and im- 
pair his usefulness here. This is the feeling which un- 
less clearly and decidedly removed from his mind, will 
compel him to accept R.'s offer. 



158 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

I heard authentically of this association, and its of- 
fers to Major Sherman, in Washington in September, 
with many of the names, of whom I only recollect now 
those of Rupell, the great Utah army contractor, Roelof- 
son of Cincinnati, where two or three others of them re- 
side, and Beverly Tucker, U.S. Consul at Liverpool. 
Professor Smith told me on his arrival here, that when 
Mr. Tucker came over to Paris to attend the obsequies 
of the late American Minister, he told him, Mr. S. of 
this association and its proportions, which comprise an 
interest also without capital on his part, in the business 
to Major S., remarking to him that he could well see 
therefore, that if our Sherman and their Sherman was 
one and the same man, he would not be able to retain 
him. Begging to hear from you in this matter after no 
more delay than may be absolutely necessary, for Mr. 
Roelofson may be here, and Major Sherman's decision 
made in a very few days (tho' I will interpose all the 
delays that I can). 

[Endorsement on retained copy of the above letter] 
Wrote the Governor again on February eleventh of the 
arrival of Mr. Roelofson, and that although very urgent 
for the Major to make an immediate acceptance and go 
right off with him, I had obtained from him a delay of 
ten days within which the Major would give his answer. 
This was to enable me to hear from Baton Rouge, 
whither on fourteenth Major Sherman proceeded him- 
self. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO MRS. SHERMAN 

Seminary, February 10, i860. 

. . . I have now crossed the line 36 and suppose I 

must rest satisfied with the title of the 'Old Man,' the 

'cross old schoolmaster,' but time won't wait and we 

must rush on in the race to eternity. . . 

36 Of forty years. — Ed. 



STUDENT TROUBLES 159 

We have just passed through a critical week, the strug- 
gle for mastery resulting in five boys being gone. It 
would take a volume to record it, but I am now rid of 
five noisy, insubordinate boys. Fifty-one still remain, 
not a recitation was missed, and I am fully supported. 
There can be but one master. 

I was prepared for this resistance but it hardly gave 
me a moment's concern, but since, I learn from Dr. 
Smith in the legislature that it is doubtful whether 
Governor Wickliffe's bill will pass. Since old Brown 
has run out, Congress organized, Texas taken strong 
ground against secession, the Louisiana politicians have 
cooled down, and they are less zealous to build up a 
military school. Dr. Smith wrote me to let him know 
the least sum we needed from the state to carry us 
through the year. I have notified him that Governor 
Wickcliffe's sum is the least, that the institution must 
be sustained at the start, and that proper provision must 
be made for the professors in the way of buildings. 

I wrote to General Graham telling him the outline 
of the London proposition and that I expected Roelof- 
son daily, and that if I did not see in the proceedings of 
the legislature some signs of providing for the institution 
and for me personally, I should be forced to leave. I 
have just received a letter from him and he seems in 
great distress. He has worked so long and so hard to 
build up this college; he is so delighted at present man- 
agement and prospects, and so impressed with the be- 
lief that I alone can manage its multifarious interests, 
that he says while he will not stand in the light of my 
interest, he will not lose my services to the state. . . 

I see by the papers that John was defeated for speak- 
er, but is likely to be prominent in the House, but he 
will be more careful hereafter in signing papers before 
he reads them. . . 



160 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

W. T. SHERMAN TO THOMAS EWING 

Seminary, Feb. 12, i860. 
Dear Sir: Roelofson 37 arrived yesterday at about 
1 1 a.m. I was on the point of hearing a Spanish reci- 
tation, the regular professor being sick. I read your 
letter of January 14 with great care and told Roelofson 
I had received other letters and a copy of the resolu- 
tions of the informal meeting at Cincinnati, January 
7. As the case at that moment stood I admitted I should 
prefer his proposition to the terms of my present en- 
gagement, but that no consideration could induce me to 
leave here without the willing concurrence of the gen- 
tlemen with whom I have acted. We accordingly 
started for Alexandria where we found General Gra- 
ham and five other members of the board in informal 
session. I placed in their hands all the papers and in- 
formed them orally of R's presence. I did not resign. 
I did nothing, but allowed them to infer the conclusion. 
I also told General Graham that of course if the present 
legislature did not act that the Seminary could not main- 
tain its ground. 

They passed this informal resolution, a quorum not 
being present: 

Resolved that we deeply regret the prospect of losing the 
valuable services of Major Sherman as superintendent of the 
Seminary of Learning. 

Resolved that we deem him eminently qualified as a gentle- 
man and disciplinarian, that we will do everything in our 
power to retain his services; but in consideration of his private 
affairs we will yield with regret to his declination but hope it 
will not be necessary. 

G. Mason Graham and five others. 

I advised General G. some days ago that Roelofson 
was coming and he immediately wrote to Governor 

37 Agent of the capitalists who wished Sherman to represent them in England. 

-Ed. 



STUDENT TROUBLES 161 

Moore and Dr. Smith, senator from this parish, pro- 
posing that they should at once make me a distinct guar- 
antee of a good house and a salary of $5,000, and yes- 
terday they asked me if I would delay any action for 
ten days. General Graham stated the whole case fair- 
ly to Roelofson and after consultation we agreed that 
I might remain silent and uncommitted for ten days. 

The Board seem to attach vast importance to my ser- 
vices. I acted summarily and decisively in several 
cases last week in which they sustained me, and I keep 
affairs here so regular and systematic that they seem 
determined to hold on. My mind is therefore made up 
that if the state endow the Seminary with twenty-five 
thousand dollars a year for two years, allow me to build 
a good house for my family and pay me five thousand 
dollars a year I will stay. Otherwise I will resign, and 
give them a reasonable time to replace me, and come 
north about April 1. I am bound to determine conclu- 
sively and finally on the 21st inst. and I will cause 
Roelofson to be telegraphed from New Orleans of the 
final conclusion. I left Roelofson last night in Alex- 
andria with this agreement, to which he assented. He 
said he would be in Cincinnati the eighteenth, when he 
will write you fully. He seemed pleased at our beau- 
tiful Seminary but regarded it as a kind of exile. Eith- 
er of the schemes now at my choice is good, and I will 
choose that which has the best future chances and least 
risks. I can't afford to run any more risks, and have 
been buffeted about enough. 

BRAXTON BRAGG TO W. T. SHERMAN 

Baton Rouge, February 13, i860. 
My dear Sherman : Your two favors are received, 
the last this morning with its enclosures. I find a gen- 
eral feeling in favor of the Seminary; and most of its 



162 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

friends, as far as my acquaintance extends, are decided- 
ly in favor of military organization. Still there is great 
cause to fear a failure of every efficient measure for its 
organization and support. All agree when the subject 
is mentioned that it is all right and proper that they 
will vote for it, etc., but all this amounts to nothing. 
Nobody seems to work, and the subject is not yet even 
before a committee, and the session is half over. One 
such man as General Graham in the legislature would 
do more to forward its cause than forty lukewarm 
friends who are content to say "I agree with you and 
will vote for it when it comes up." 

Dr. Smith is strongly for the Seminary, by no means 
in favor of the military organization except as a mere 
incident, and I conclude from what he has said to me, 
very willing to see a failure of that part. He wants a 
great Seminary to make learned men, its operations to 
commence just where nineteen-twentieths of our young 
men end. The thing is a myth, an ignis fatuus and a 
dead failure certain, for want of means if nothing else. 
It would cost us from fifty thousand to one hundred 
thousand dollars a year, and you can't get it. In a con- 
versation with the doctor a few days since, I regretted 
to observe what I took to be a lurking satisfaction at the 
troubles you had in enforcing what he called rigid mili- 
tary discipline. I most emphatically expressed my 
hope that you would carry the thing out in its fullest 
extent, and I am glad to find I was not mistaken in you 
and show the boys at the start that you were their com- 
mander and intended to be so. Unless this is done in 
the outset we had as well give up the experiment for it 
must share the fate of all previous efforts in the state. 

The more you see of our society, especially our young 
men, the more you will be impressed with the impor- 



STUDENT TROUBLES 163 

tance of a change in our system of education if we ex- 
pect the next generation to be anything more than a 
mere aggregation of loafers charged with the duty of 
squandering their fathers' legacies and disgracing their 
names. I hoped, and still hope, your Seminary may be 
the entering wedge for a reformation, but should it fail 
under the auspices now before us I shall despair. A 
few weeks will determine whether the state intends to 
sustain it. Suspend your decision, if possible, on the 
advantageous offer made you. Under any circum- 
stances I would not advise you against closing with 
such an advantageous offer. I can only hope we may 
be enabled to make your present position more desirable. 

At the request of Dr. S. and some other gentlemen, I 
have given them a rough sketch of a bill for estab- 
lishing an arsenal with you, and making your cadets 
the military guard of the "Munitions of War" belong- 
ing to the state. I hope it may pass. As we are now, 
our arms are thrown away as fast as received. 

I am getting heartily tired of the honors of office. Of 
all the loose, disorganized, mal-administered state of 
affairs I have ever seen, the public affairs of this state 
are the worst. Nobody is responsible, every disbursing 
officer keeps his own accounts, draws his own warrants 
on the treasury, and if he can only get a dishonest man 
to consent to sign a voucher and a warrant, they draw 
the money and there is the end of it. No one ever set- 
tles an account with the state. One of our Board, dis- 
missed from the army as a defaulter, with these visions 
before him, is giving us infinite trouble. So far, he 
has failed in every effort, but he has kept the board from 
any duty. The other members are tender toward him, 
and hope to conquer by mildness. I prefer the military 
system and go at him rough shod. 



164 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

My regards to General Graham, and thank him for 
his bill. I am for it first and last, but still am willing 
to take less if we can't get all. But like Oliver Twist I 
should "ask for more." 

W. T. SHERMAN TO MRS. SHERMAN 

Seminary, February 13, i860. 

. . . I received yesterday your letter of January 
3 1 . Roelof son came Saturday, and was in a great hurry 
to go off. He said he must be in Cincinnati February 
18 to attend to some business. I found the scheme was 
pretty much the same condition as it was last winter. 

. . . All admit the healthfulness of the place [the 
Seminary] which is inferable from the kind of ground. 
Indeed if you hear that I have concluded to stay here, 
just make up your mind to live and die here, because 
I am going to take the bit in my mouth, and resume my 
military character, and control my own affairs. Since 
I left New Orleans, I have felt myself oppressed by cir- 
cumstances I could not control, but I begin to feel foot- 
ing and will get saucy. But if I go to England I shall 
expect a universal panic, the repudiation of the great 
national debt, and a blow up generally. 

I suppose I was the Jonah that blew up San Fran- 
cisco, and it only took two months' residence in Wall 
Street to bust up New York, and I think my arrival in 
London will be the signal of the downfall of that mighty 
empire. 

Here I can't do much harm, if I can't do any good; 
and here we have solitude and banishment enough to 
hide from the misfortunes of the past. 

Therefore, if Louisiana will endow this college prop- 
erly, and is fool enough to give me five thousand dollars 
a year, we will drive our tent pins and pick out a mag- 



STUDENT TROUBLES 165 

nolia under which to sleep the long sleep. But if she 
don't, then England must perish, for I predict financial 
misfortune to the land that receives me. . . 

G. MASON GRAHAM TO S. A. SMITH 

Alexandria, Feb. 13, i860. 

Dear DOCTOR: Your favor of — inst. was received 
by Saturday night's mail, and sent yesterday to the su- 
perintendent, both as more encouraging than your pre- 
vious communication to him (which had made him very 
gloomy), and in order that he might cause to be pre- 
pared the copies you ask for, but which can hardly be 
got off, I expect, before next Saturday's mail. That 
which I have to copy from our minutes I know cannot, 
for I am greatly over-worked. I got up at three o'clock 
the other night, as I had very often to do, to write a 
letter of four pages to P. T — r, who had written me com- 
plaining of his son being arbitrarily spoken to. 

By this boat, the "Perry," goes a letter to Governor 
Moore advising him of the arrival of Mr. Roelofson, 
from whom I had obtained ten days . . . for Major 
Sherman to give him reply to the offer made him. I 
hope that you and the governor will have agreed to my 
suggestion. We will always regret it if we lose Major 
Sherman. 

There is no more constitutional objection to changing 
the name of this school than there is to changing mine. 
The name was conferred by the act of 1853. A pri- 
mary school as well as a university is a "Seminary of 
Learning." Mr. Manning saw this very quickly on my 
showing him the constitution and the act, when he and 
I were discussing the draft I sent you. There is just 
as little constitutional objection to appropriating a por- 
tion of the common school fund to preparing teachers 



166 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

for the common schools; and that is the easiest fund to 
get the money from. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Seminary of Learning, Monday, Feb. 13, i860. 

Dear Sir: I enclose you Dr. Smith's letter which I 
have read with concern. I thought of copying our reg- 
ulations in full - but the task is too large. Dr. S r 

is up at Dr. Bailey's and entre nous, Dr. S. is not the 
kind of man for contact with young men or association 
with. Still charity is a virtue and he should have the 
benefit of it. 

I understand Jarreau is now here at Parker's. I am 
glad of it, as the irregularities in the mess and washing 
must cease. Mr. Smith, 38 under the contract, has pre- 
scribed the bill of fare, and will hereafter inspect the 
mess before meals. And I will give notice that if cadets 
have their clothes properly marked, and delivered to 
the laundress at the right time, the value of any article 
lost shall be charged. I know Jarreau has an awful dull 
set of niggers, and he himself has been sick and away, 
but to secure system and economy somebody must do 
their work right. Again as to regulations, I thought 
of sending a copy of the Virginia rules - erased and al- 
tered, but on comparison I find the alterations too num- 
erous and important to trust to interlineation. 

It occurs to me, that as things now are working 
smoothly and well, I might take these regulations and 
move down to Baton Rouge, appear before their com- 
mittee and satisfy them fully, and return in a week. At 
that time, too, I could judge for myself the temper of the 
legislature and come to a conclusion as to my own proper 
course. I must give R. a positive answer by the twenty- 
first or twenty-second instant at furthest. I have prom- 

38 The commandant of cadets. — Ed. 



STUDENT TROUBLES 167 

ised him to do so and I have never failed to comply in 
my life. But whether I go or not I assure you I won't 
leave here till you have a successor of your own choice, 
as well if not better qualified, than I am. Before the 
middle of March the cadets will be well drilled, armed, 
and clothed. All books necessary for this year will be 
here, and all supplies needed by then. Books will be 
opened and records properly arranged, and the money 
affairs so adjusted that the machine would work of itself. 
And if the legislature meanly act by the Seminary you 
could save the salary of the superintendent. 

As to your giving a personal guarantee, while I ad- 
mire the spunk, I think you ought not to do it. I think 
the matter should be treated as any business transaction. 
If the legislatures of the country are going to trammel 
the Seminary, entitled to help, you ought not to inter- 
vene. . . 

[P.S.] Have you the letter to Madame D. from the 
assistant engineer? She sticks to her belief that the 
governor knew what he caused to be written her - that 
all her son's expenses should be paid. Yet she begs 
delay and promises if the legislature do not provide 
support for her boy that she will. She wants that letter, 
and I think I sent it to you. 

Sherman went to Baton Rouge in February and to the Senate 
Committee on Education he gave detailed estimates of expenses, 
income, needs, etc. It was understood that Sherman was willing 
to stay in Louisiana if the requested appropriations were given. 
Appropriations to cover all of them were made later. 

While in Baton Rouge Sherman was treated with the great- 
est consideration. He found, instead of opposition to him on ac- 
count of his own and his brother's views, a strong desire on the 
part of those interested to keep him in Louisiana. That this was 
somewhat surprising as well as gratifying to him is indicated in 
his letters. 



168 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Baton Rouge, La., Feb. 16, i860. 

Dear General: We got here last evening; I soon 
found out Colonel Bragg, who is here living in the mess 
of Richard Taylor and two other gentlemen of the sen- 
ate. I also found Dr. Smith and many others in author- 
ity. All seem very generally well-disposed to us. The 
whole subject was referred to the Committee on Educa- 
tion, and I have been most of the day in copying a long 
report of Dr. Smith tracing the history of the Semi- 
nary from its first inception to the present moment. 

This report is designed to accompany a bill which is 
substantially agreed on in committee, viz: to amend the 
old bill by modifying the provisions for indigent State 
cadets so that we educate fifty, one from each parish and 
two additional from New Orleans - these to be desig- 
nated by the police juries, the state further to appropri- 
ate eleven thousand dollars for two professors' houses, 
five thousand dollars for chemical, philosophical, and 
other apparatus and books; and to provide for the elec- 
tion of a vice president to the Board of Supervisors, who 
with four others shall compose a quorum, to have all the 
powers of the present Board. 

Bragg has also prepared a bill to make the Seminary 
a State Arsenal. For the fifty state cadets no provision 
is made for tuition and they are limited to three hundred 
dollars each and an appropriation made for them of 
fifteen thousand dollars per annum. Dr. Smith of course 
is leader. He will not consent to a change of title or 
to modify it further, but he still says he can get a liberal 
appropriation for its support. 

The committee was willing to grant the superintend- 
ent the rank of Colonel, but as long as it is not military 
by law, I think a naked rank would be ridiculous. Dr. 



STUDENT TROUBLES 169 

Smith, Bragg, Mr. Taylor, another, and myself dined 
together to-day and they pitched into the Doctor with- 
out grace, telling him now was the time to make this the 
Military Academy by law. All agreed that the legis- 
lature would be almost unanimous but Dr. S. will not 
budge. A simple bill, with few clauses and liberal ap- 
propriations, Mr. Taylor says, would pass without diffi- 
culty, but as the Committee of Education have it in 
hand, it must come through them or be attached to their 
bill by way of amendment. 

All admit that Governor Wickliffe's recommenda- 
tion 39 has no weight, and that the constitution limits 
the school fund to a "distribution to parishes in the pro- 
portion of the white children." The legislature has no 
control over it. The clause certainly reads so, and I 
can't imagine why Governor Wickcliffe should have 
overlooked. But the general fund is large, and all ad- 
mit willingness to provide amply. 

Dr. Smith will not report your bill, but will [report] 
the one now in committee maybe the day after to-mor- 
row. Taylor may offer a substitute to test the sense of 
the senate. I will stay here till this matter is deter- 
mined. In the bill for an Arsenal they provide five hun- 
dred dollars for the superintendent. I can not commit 
myself till next Tuesday, when I must. I would much 
prefer to see the Seminary made the Military Academy 
by law, when its character would be fixed beyond change, 
but unless the Senate be very strong that way he will not 
change. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO MRS. SHERMAN 

Baton Rouge, Feb. 17, i860. 
. . . I wrote you day before yesterday. I dined 

39 That a sum be appropriated to the Seminary to be expended in training 
teachers for the schools. - Ed. 



170 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

yesterday with Governor Moore, to-day am to dine with 
the attorney-general and on the whole am treated with 
so much consideration, that I cannot mistrust the general 
expression of a hope that I will not leave them. 

The legislature promise to build me a house, to endow 
the Seminary and to put all things on the best footing. 
They seem to think that I can accomplish great good, 
and as they have dealt by me so fairly I am loath to quit. 

We have now pretty well agreed on a bill for the 
legislature which is liberal and which will easily pass. 
It provides six thousand dollars for a house for us, and 
also makes provision so that the Board can enlarge my 
salary. I hope by Tuesday it will pass so that I can 
telegraph and write to Roelofson as I agreed. Still I 
will defer it to the last minute so that if any contretemps 
should arise I can take advantage of it. Here they want 
me to say if they pass the bill I will stay. 

I tell them whether I stay or no the provisions made 
for the Seminary are essential to its success. Still I do 
think it would be more agreeable for you here than in 
England. We have beautiful warm weather now, flow- 
ers and trees in bloom. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Baton Rouge, Saturday, Feb. 17, i860. 
Dear General: I know how anxious you are and 
must be about our affairs here. I have met a great many 
gentlemen here, dined with the governor, am invited to 
dine with Mr. Moise to-day, and by all am assured of 
the deep interest felt in our affairs. Could any bill come 
before either branch with few provisions, and ample 
appropriation it would pass. But the whole matter hav- 
ing been referred to the School Committee it is proper 
it should report its bill, when anything may come in on 



STUDENT TROUBLES 171 

amendment. First Dr. Smith will not consent to your 
bill or any new bill. He insists on clinging to the old 
bill, but is willing to modify it in any way, that may be 
politic. He now agrees to amend so far as to style the 
Seminary "The Louisiana State Seminary of Learning 
and Military Academy," also to add a clause making 
the cadets, officers, etc., a military body, with commis- 
sions, etc., also to make five supervisors a quorum for 
the transaction of business. The Board of Supervisors 
retaining all other full powers as now. 

As to appropriations we feel now confident that there 
is rightfully in the treasury -$12,330, arising thus- 
coupons for eighteen months on $137,000 bond, nine 
percent is $12,330. We have this on the signature of 
the auditor and the treasurer admits that sum to be in 
the treasury subject to appropriation. It also appears 
that in former years, $119,000 were appropriated, and 
that only $112,000 have been drawn, leaving a balance 
due the Seminary on that score, of exactly $6,930 which 
we will also ask to be re-appropriated. 

Dr. Smith will also ask the Seminary Fund to be re- 
lieved of the condition of refunding the $30,000, and 
ask to cry quits on that score of our claim to compound 
interest. I have just had a full conversation with Ran- 
dall Hunt who is an eminent lawyer and says the courts 
here have compelled the payment of compound interest, 
when the money has been used, as was the case with 
Louisiana. 

Now if the legislature will repeal the clause requiring 
that $30,000 to be paid back, and will further relieve us 
of the charge of indigent youth - it would be well not to 
press the claim for compound interest. 

Now I understand the Committee to intend to recom- 
mend the fifty indigent youths, the state to pay all the ex- 



172 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

penses but tuition. I have explained fully that such 
would not help us much, and Colonel Taylor and Mr. 
Goode and others say it will ruin our institution as 
planters will not send their children to a school with a 
preponderance of pauper children. All admit a perfect 
willingness to appropriate $5,000 for chemical, philo- 
sophical, surveying, engineering, etc., books; also 
$11,000 for two professor's houses. 

Therefore the points now in dispute are the indigent 
student clauses. If they reenact the sixteen 40 clause they 
will appropriate three hundred dollars a piece - if they 
provide for fifty, then fifteen thousand dollars. If 
Messrs. Taylor and Goode represent public sentiment 
properly, I think the best plan would be to give the 
Board of Supervisors the six thousand dollars cash, and 
let them reduce the tuition fee to all as low as possible. 
That would enable us to educate as cheap as any college. 

We all meet again tomorrow, Sunday, and will dis- 
cuss these points. I want the school committee to report 
on Monday or Tuesday next, as I want to hear the action 
of the Senate. Bragg was compelled to go down to his 
plantation yesterday and may not return before I leave, 
but he put me in such good relation with his friends that 
really they overcome me with zeal. They pitched into 
Dr. Smith so, at dinner, that he was alarmed for the 
safety of the nation. They so damned the volunteers and 
elevated the regulars that the Doctor feared for the 
safety of the liberties of the people. 

I have your bill in my pocket- also one prepared by 
myself - but I now abandon any hope of a new bill, and 
shall confine my efforts to so modifying the old one as to 
bring in the military element, and to get the State aid 
which all seem so anxious to give. I am now in the 

40 The old law provided for sixteen beneficiary students. 



STUDENT TROUBLES 173 

Library and shall see if there be not some books we could 
get. The librarian, named Carrigan, is trying to get a 
state appointment for a friend in New Orleans. I would 
for myself be almost willing to give him the appoint- 
ment on easy terms if he would give me a list of dupli- 
cate books that a resolution could secure them. They 
have a good library here. 

The knowing ones say the Arsenal Bill will also pass, 
and the blank be filled with $150,000 for the purchase of 
arms and building a structure - but I doubt it. If we 
can get five thousand stand of arms, then a field battery 
and the usual proportion of equipments, it would be all 
we could expect - and in vain if the room so dedicated 
get ten or twelve thousand dollars to build a mess hall 
and kitchen separate. 

On Thursday next I am bound to give Roelofson a 
categoric answer and feel a little confused thereat, for 
the solicitude of my family which I have heretofore dis- 
regarded now troubles me. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO THOMAS EWING JR. 

Baton Rouge, Feb. 17, i860. 

Dear Tom : ... I am down here at the legisla- 
ture log rolling for a bill to the interest of our institu- 
tion. I have no doubt of success. I cannot but laugh 
in my sleeve at the seeming influence I possess, dining 
with the governor, hobnobbing with the leading men 
of Louisiana, whilst John is universally blackguarded 
as an awful abolitionist. No person has said one word 
against me, and all have refrained from using his name 
in vain. . . 

As to your prospects, I see as chief justice you ran 
ahead of your ticket. I doubt not you can be elected 
as senator. For the chances it is best, though for a 
firm solid foundation the judgeship is preferable. Still 



174 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

I think I know enough of you to say your mind is made 
up and like the fellow engaged to some girl goes round 
and asks advice leaves room for but one side to the ques- 
tion. I advise you then to go to the senate, be moderate 
and take the chances. 

If they find me advising with you and John, two 
desperate Blacks, they will suspect me of treason and 
hang me. No, this is not so, we discuss all public ques- 
tions here with fairness. Louisiana is not ultra. She 
has property valued at four hundred millions of dollars 
which is all based on slave labor. It is no new open 
question to them; they must be prejudiced in favor of 
their interests, and I know and often assert that such 
persons as you and John are not inclined to molest this 
property. I state your position thus: in Kansas the 
party known as Democratic did endeavor to impose 
slavery on Kansas and resorted to extraneous force and 
fraud. This led to force and violence on the other side, 
and then, as in all similar contests for colonizing, the 
North beat, because she has one hundred who can emi- 
grate where the South has one. I understand the mod- 
erate Republicans to be opposed to slavery in the ab- 
stract, to its extension, but not committed to its molesta- 
tion where it now exists. I hope the party will not 
attempt the repeal of the Fugitive Slave Law, and that 
courts and legislatures will not take ultra ground, indi- 
viduals and newspapers may, but judges and legislatures 
cannot without committing whole communities. 

The relation between master and slave cannot be 
changed without utter ruin to immense numbers, and 
it is not sure the negro would be benefitted. If John 
had not signed that Helper book he could have been 
elected and would have had a fine chance of showing 
fairness and manliness at a time of crisis. As it is now 



STUDENT TROUBLES 175 

he can only growl over expenses and waste; that the 
Devil himself cannot stop. 

Louisiana will not join in any South Carolina meas- 
ure, but her people and representatives are nervous on 
the nigger question, and I have to be on my guard all 
the while as Ohio is looked on as a regular Bogey. 
Bragg and others here know me to be national, and they 
back me up too strong, so that I am coaxed and begged 
not to leave them. I know this sentiment to be sincere 
and the professors begged me by all the considerations 
possible to stand by the Institution, as they think that I 
can make it successful and famous. If too by being 
here, with such relatives as you and John, I could also 
do something to allay fears and apprehensions which I 
believe unfounded I could do patriotic service. Yet 
the itching for change and adventure makes me strong- 
ly inclined to go to London. My life here would settle 
down into a plain, easy berth. 

The Democratic Party will try to keep Kansas out 
by manoeuvre, but I take it if a fair square vote can be 
had Kansas must be admitted as she is. I shall be glad 
to see your name as senator. I dined yesterday with 
Governor Moore, to-day with the attorney-general, so 
you see I am in the land of clover as well as molasses. 

In his Memoirs, Sherman gives a summary account of his 
trip to Baton Rouge in the interests of the Seminary and relates 
an interesting story of how he made known his views on slavery 
to a gathering of public men. 

During our first term many defects in the original act 
of the Legislature, were demonstrated, and, by the ad- 
vice of the Board of Supervisors, I went down to Baton 
Rouge during the session of the legislature to advocate 
and urge the passage of a new bill, putting the institu- 
tion on a better footing. Thomas O. Moore was then 



176 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

Governor, Bragg was a member of the Board of Public 
Works, and Richard Taylor was a senator. I got well 
acquainted with all of these, and with some of the lead- 
ing men of the state, and was always treated with the 
greatest courtesy and kindness. 

In conjunction with the proper committee of the legis- 
lature, we prepared a new bill, which was passed and 
approved on the 7th of March, i860, by which we were 
to have a beneficiary cadet for each parish, in all fifty- 
six, and fifteen thousand dollars annually for their 
maintenance; also twenty thousand dollars for the gen- 
eral use of the college. During that session we got an 
appropriation of fifteen thousand dollars for building 
two professors' houses, for the purchase of philosophical 
and chemical apparatus, and for the beginning of a col- 
lege library. The Seminary was made a State Arsenal, 
under the title of State Central Arsenal, and I was al- 
lowed five hundred dollars a year as its superintendent. 

These matters took me several times to Baton Rouge 
that winter, and I recall an event of some interest, which 
must have happened in February. At that time my 
brother, John Sherman, was a candidate, in the national 
House of Representatives, for speaker, against Bocock, 
of Virginia. In the South he was regarded as an "abo- 
litionist," the most horrible of all monsters; and many 
people of Louisiana looked at me with suspicion, as the 
brother of the abolitionist, John Sherman, and doubted 
the propriety of having me at the head of an important 
state institution. By this time I was pretty well ac- 
quainted with many of their prominent men, was gener- 
ally esteemed by all in authority, and by the people of 
Rapides Parish especially, who saw that I was devoted 
to my particular business, and that I gave no heed to the 
political excitement of the day. But the members of the 



STUDENT TROUBLES 177 

state Senate and House did not know me so well, and it 
was natural that they should be suspicious of a northern 
man, and the brother of him who was the "abolition" 
candidate for speaker of the House. 

One evening, at a large dinner-party at Governor 
Moore's at which were present several members of the 
Louisiana legislature, Taylor, Bragg, and the Attorney- 
general Hyams, after the ladies had left the table, I 
noticed at Governor Moore's end quite a lively discus- 
sion going on, in which my name was frequently used; 
at length the governor called to me, saying: "Colonel 
Sherman, you can readily understand that, with your 
brother the abolitionist candidate for speaker, some of 
our people wonder that you should be here at the head of 
an important state institution. Now, you are at my 
table, and I assure you of my confidence. Won't you 
speak your mind freely on this question of slavery, that 
so agitates the land? You are under my roof, and, what- 
ever you say, you have my protection." 

I answered: "Governor Moore, you mistake in call- 
ing my brother John Sherman, an abolitionist. We have 
been separated since childhood- I, in the army, and he 
pursuing his profession of law in northern Ohio; and it 
is possible we may differ in general sentiment, but I deny 
that he is considered at home an abolitionist; and, al- 
though he prefers the free institutions under which he 
lives to those of slavery which prevail here, he would not 
of himself take from you by law or force any property 
whatever, even slaves." 

Then said Moore: "Give us your own views of 
slavery as you see it here and throughout the South." 

I answered in effect that "the people of Louisiana 
were hardly responsible for slavery, as they had inher- 
ited it; that I found two distinct conditions of slavery, 



178 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

domestic and field hands. The domestic slaves, em- 
ployed by the families, were probably better treated than 
any slaves on earth; but the condition of the field-hands 
was different, depending more on the temper and dispo- 
sition of their masters and overseers than were those em- 
ployed about the house;" and I went on to say that, 
were I a citizen of Louisiana, and a member of the 
legislature, I would deem it wise to bring the legal con- 
dition of the slave more near the status of human beings 
under all Christian and civilized governments. In the 
first place, I argued that, in sales of slaves made by the 
state, I would forbid the separation of families, letting 
the father, mother, and children, be sold together to 
one person, instead of each to the highest bidder. And, 
again, I would advise the repeal of the statute which en- 
acted a severe penalty for even the owner to teach his 
slave to read and write, because that actually qualified 
property and took away a part of its value; illustrating 
the assertion by the case of Henry Sampson, who had 
been the slave of Colonel Chambers, of Rapides Parish, 
who had gone to California as the servant of an officer 
of the army, and who was afterward employed by me 
in the bank at San Francisco. At first he could not 
write or read, and I could only afford to pay him one 
hundred dollars a month ; but he was taught to read and 
write by Reilley, our bank-teller, when his services be- 
came worth two hundred and fifty dollars a month, 
which enabled him to buy his own freedom and that of 
his brother and his family. 

What I said was listened to by all with the most pro- 
found attention; and when I was through, some one (I 
think it was Mr. Hyams struck the table with his fist, 
making the glasses jingle, and said, "By God, he is 
right!" and at once he took up the debate, which went 



STUDENT TROUBLES 179 

on, for an hour or more, on both sides with ability and 
fairness. Of course, I was glad to be thus relieved, be- 
cause at the time all men in Louisiana were dreadfully 
excited on questions affecting their slaves, who consti- 
tuted the bulk of their wealth, and without whom they 
honestly believed that sugar, cotton, and rice, could not 
possibly be cultivated. . . 

At the end of the time in which Sherman was to make his de- 
cision he concluded, that since his family so desired it, he would 
accept the London position. To his wife's brother, Thomas 
Ewing Jr., he wrote: "I confess I sever the relations between 
myself and present associates with deep regret. Their behavior 
in all things has been frank, manly and generous." He then be- 
gan preparations looking toward the selection of his successor, 
but the Board of Supervisors urged him not to decide finally until 
he had visited Ohio to see the officials of the London company 
and looked more closely into the merits of the projected enter- 
prise. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

New Orleans, La., Feb. 21, i860. 

Dear General: Dr. Smith has finished his report 
and bill, which though a medley of old and new ideas, 
maybe falling within the parable of new cloth in old 
garments, I was forced to assent to as the best compro- 
mise. As it stands, "A Seminary of Learning and Mili- 
tary Academy," possessed in fact of military organiza- 
tion, it may (by keeping that idea clear and distinct be- 
fore you) be made to fulfill your sanguine hopes. 

At all events I see no reason why it should not. The 
report and bill were to be printed, and as the senate had 
dispersed to Thursday I came down to see if I could not 
pick up a tailor and shoemaker - and pay up a few small 
bills owed here. I have paid the bills but as yet have 
not heard of a tailor or shoemaker willing to come. I 
must return to Baton Rouge to-morrow, but will in the 



180 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

meantime continue to look for tailors who do not seem 
indigenous to your otherwise fertile soil. 

I have also opened communication with Mrs. Sher- 
man, by telegraph, and she is so strongly in favor of the 
London project that I must decide. This is my last day 
of grace, and I must, as the case stands, choose the Lon- 
don project, but as I told you I will do all I can to give 
you a successor better than myself, and use any influence 
my acquaintance with Bragg, Colonel Taylor, and 
others may give to secure to the Seminary all the help 
that this legislature can grant. I have in my mind two 
gentlemen, one named Trowbridge, who married in 
Savannah - resigned and is now in the Coast Survey Of- 
fice, who graduated head of his class some ten years ago. 
Also Captain Stone who is now I fear in Sonora, Mexi- 
co. I have written to Buell, advising each to apply for 
my vacancy, and to send credentials, which however 
they need not tender, as their records are perfect. 

If the legislature appropriate you should have a 
superintendent, but if it make a shabby appropriation 
you could so manage this term to save the cost of that 
officer. I propose to hold on till you can spare me, but 
would like to get of! about April i, so that I could spend 
a few days in Ohio, before again embarking in the 
stormy sea of finance. I confess I make this step in 
doubt, and the strong preference of my family is all 
that turns the scale in my mind. I therefore announce 
to you my determination, and will give you an official 
document as soon as I return to the Seminary. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO MRS. SHERMAN 

New Orleans, La., February 21, i860. 

. . . I write to General Graham that the day has 

arrived, and that as the case now stands I must choose 



STUDENT TROUBLES 181 

London. I really feel sorry. General Graham's whole 
soul was rapt up in the success of this college, and he 
seems to feel that I am essential to it. Would I accept 
he would make up the difference from his own purse ; 
indeed he made such an offer to the governor but I 
would not listen to it. The success of the institution de- 
pends on the parents of the boys. 

There are many good men to replace me but none 
seems to be at hand. General Graham almost associated 
a Providence with us, the deep affection for you by his 
sister, the confidence in me by his dead brother, united 
with the accident of my application made him believe 
it, a special Providence; and now he sees that Provi- 
dence don't control it. But enough of this. 

GOVERNOR THOMAS O. MOORE TO G. MASON 
GRAHAM 

Baton Rouge, Feb. 21, i860. 

Dear Sir: ... I have had but little conversa- 
tion with Major Sherman relative to the Seminary, my 
time during the sitting of the legislature being so con- 
stantly occupied with business in my new sphere, that I 
am too much wearied when I get from the State House 
to think of anything but rest. The Major has been ab- 
sent in the city two days, which I did not know until 
yesterday. . . I went to the Harney House to invite 
him to take a room at my house, as I had a comfortable 
one, and would have him with me, where I could talk to 
him at my leisure, and will invite him as soon as he re- 
turns to do so, and will do all I can to induce him to 
remain at the head of the Seminary. 

I do not feel disposed to make myself responsible with 
others for the $5,000 salary, as, if it were necessary for 
the Board of Supervisors to give the amount to retain 



1 82 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

him, and I should be in favor of it, it might be supposed 
or charged that I was so, from the fact that I have guar- 
anteed to him the amount. 

With the amount now on hand and that, that Dr. 
Smith hopes to have appropriated, we can afford to give 
the Major an additional one thousand dollars which I 
trust will retain him, but I would agree to the five 
thousand dollars sooner than lose him, and have no 
doubt the Board would vote it. . . 

P. G. T. BEAUREGARD TO W. T. SHERMAN 

New Orleans, Feb. 23, i860. 

My DEAR MAJOR: Allow me to introduce to you 
my nephew, Master Stephen R. Proctor, who desires to 
become a member (a distinguished one I hope) of your 
Military Academy. If he could be put in a separate 
room with my son Rene, his cousin, without any viola- 
tion of your internal arrangements, I would consider it 
a great favor to both of them, as the one would have to 
remain silent when the other wished to study. Other- 
wise may I request you to select him such roommates as 
you would give to one of your own sons. 

I have written to Capt. G. W. Smith the substance of 
our conversation of yesterday, with hope that he might 
be willing to become your successor for he would be the 
best one that I know of, otherwise he may be able to 
recommend one to us whose claims he might be happy 
to support, but I must request you not to be in too great 
a hurry about carrying out your intention of resigning. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS 

Seminary of Learning, Alexandria, March 1, i860. 

Sir : As I have advised you in advance I find myself 

so placed, as to require me thus to place my resignation 

in your possession. That no misapprehension may ever 



STUDENT TROUBLES 183 

occur, I now assert that I am well pleased at all that has 
occurred here, and that I believe this institution must 
prosper, as long as the parents of cadets sustain the 
authority in the maintenance of good discipline. But I 
am offered a most lucrative post at London, which is so 
pressed on my acceptance by my family, who depend on 
me for support, that I cannot disregard their claims. 
For this reason and no other I tender my resignation, 
only asking that I may be relieved of duty here about 
April 1, next. I submit herewith an alternate proposi- 
tion. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Seminary of Learning, March 1, i860. 

SIR: I send you herewith the resignation concerning 
which I have already troubled you too much. Had not 
the relations between us become more than official I 
should not have complicated this move by an expression 
of my private views and feelings, but I believe you and 
all are sincere in the many expressions of respect shown 
me, and that you are really willing to bear a little with 
me, and even overlook an inconvenience that no change 
should occur in the organization of the academic staff 
at this time. 

I therefore admit that personally I should prefer to 
remain here trusting that, in the progress of this institu- 
tion, the Board of Supervisors will do all in their power 
to make me and my family comfortable, but I am so far 
from them that letters are inadequate to explain these 
things to them, and pressed as they are by interested 
parties, they remain so urgent that I am in a measure 
forced to comply with their claims to my protection. 

Yet I have an idea, that if I could go to Ohio, I 
might change this naked view of the case. The salary 
offered me abroad is so much better than what this in- 



1 84 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

stitution can or should offer, that they cannot for a mo- 
ment make a favorable comparison; but it may be that 
by going to Baton Rouge, seeing that the bills reported 
are either the law or have sufficient probability of being 
so, I might in four or five days reach Ohio, and if pos- 
sible return with my family by the close of March. In 
which [case] I should be most willing to remain and 
abide the fate of the Seminary, be it fully successful or 
otherwise. On this score I should ask no guarantee or 
promise of any kind, but place myself where I now am. 

I am fully conscious that I may utterly fail in this 
move [because] our people have an utter dread of the 
yellow-fever and other epidemics of the South, not so 
much for themselves as for children, but I do believe 
if my family could stay here a few years, this prejudice 
would wear away, and then I could have that conscious 
faith that would enable me to devote all my time, energy, 
and experience to my real duty here. But you know full 
well how disturbing it is to reside in one place, with a 
family in another place ever disturbed by fears and anx- 
ieties however ill founded. 

If therefore you in your individual capacity will con- 
sent to my thus leaving, I will start early next week, 
satisfy myself at Baton Rouge of the situation of our 
interests there and thence proceed to Ohio. If possible 
I will return with expedition bringing my family or I 
will send you prompt and emphatic word as to my abso- 
lute determination - all within March -and in either 
event I will return, to turn over my charge here to a 
successor. In the meantime you and others could cast 
about for a successor or arrange for my final departure. 
If this be not entirely, fully, and absolutely satisfactory 
I beg you will treat this as private - and put the formal 
resignation herewith before the Board for their final 
action. I need not add that I could any day close my ac- 



STUDENT TROUBLES 185 

counts and hand my cash balance to any party appointed 
to receive it. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Seminary of Learning, March 5, i860. 

SIR : Agreeably to the terms of your letter of the first 
instant I propose on tomorrow to avail myself of the 
permission therein contained, to visit Ohio and 
shall . . . proceed to Baton Rouge, satisfy myself 
as to the actual state of our business at the capital, thence 
to New Orleans, as the speediest mode of reaching the 
north, thence without delay by railway to Lancaster, 
Ohio, which I expect to reach by the fourteenth instant. 
Two or five days at furthest will suffice to come to an 
absolutely final decision on the points heretofore ex- 
plained, the result of which will be telegraphed to Gov- 
ernor Moore and thence sent to you. In the meantime 
it would be well for you and all the supervisors to do all 
you deem prudent in advance to select a proper person 
to succeed me, in the event of the vacancy occurring. 

I herewith enclose you an order on S. W. Henarie 
with whom I deposit my accounts current in full to 
date. I have also caused an approximate inventory to be 
taken of all property, of which in the shape of books, 
furniture, etc., there are on hand an abundant supply 
for all i860 and over. 

All accounts are paid up, and there are no outstand- 
ing matters save the clothing, which I am informed by 
telegraph would be sent from New York by the first 
steamer of March. The bill for clothing will range 
from $2,500 to $3,000. I deliver to-day to Professor 
Smith $1,221. I have remitted to the Mechanics' and 
Traders' Bank $3,986; amount of check drawn by you 
at my request, $2,033, leaving there $1,953. 

Therefore there is money enough on hand to pay this 



1 86 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

bill. It was my purpose to segregate all items of pur- 
chase, to see what has been spent for permanent furni- 
ture, salaries, board, etc., but the writing, day-book, 
ledger, press books, and the ten thousand little items of 
writing require a vast amount of writing. But gradu- 
ally I advise this labor to be distributed among cadets. 
Thus I have named Cadet Irwin, as acting quarter- 
master sergeant. Soon we can name an acting sergeant 
major who will keep the account of delinquencies, thus 
relieving the superintendent and commandant of a large 
bulk of labor. 

I have endeavored to foresee every possible contin- 
gency during my absence. 

ist. The studies, recreations and military exercises 
should be kept as now, for which Professor Smith is 
fully competent to control. 

2nd. Any correspondence, answering letters, etc., 
convening Academic Board, and generally the duties of 
superintendent devolve on Professor Vallas. 

3rd. The three servants can be profitably employed 
as now in gardening. 

4th. We have a tailor, who agrees to work constant- 
ly, according to a schedule of prices to be approved by 
superintendent, but we have to guarantee him work 
amounting to ten dollars a week. We also provide him 
a part of the house to the east of the Seminary, and pro- 
vide him with wood in the rough. He has a wife and 
one child, and they appear decent and respectable. 

As to further improvements I have studied the 
ground, and am satisfied that a rough design, this day 
handed Professor Smith, will best fulfill our future, and 
will admit of any amount of enlargements. Neverthe- 
less if the Board of Supervisors prefer, they might in 
person examine, and prepare a plan and cause all im- 



STUDENT TROUBLES 187 

provements to conform thereto. I advise at the earliest 
moment a good fence to be made - with two side gates 
and two handsome front gates - the whole to embrace 
about twenty-four acres of ground. I think for all fenc- 
ing and lumber to be used, a good bargain could be made 
with Dr. Carson who has a sawmill close by, and who 
would, I am informed, be willing to exchange sawed 
lumber for timber of which we could furnish an abun- 
dance. Killing two birds with one stone viz: Clearing 
our grounds, and procuring lumber without the pay- 
ment of money. This bargain should be made at once 
and the mill started in cutting fencing inch boards - 
five thousand feet, one foot wide and ten thousand feet, 
six inches wide, cypress or chinquepin posts should be 
contracted for four hundred posts - eight feet long, one 
or two sawed faces. 

I will most certainly return in March, and if I re- 
sume my duties as superintendent and am charged with 
the contemplated improvements, it would be a large 
step, to have the foregoing provided in advance. I have 
gone over these points fully to Mr. Vallas, and Smith, 
and believe that no inconvenience or prejudice can result 
to the Seminary during my absence . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Steamboat Hodges, March 6, i860. 
Dear General: . . . We will reach Baton 
Rouge by three. I will at once see Dr. Smith and Gov- 
ernor Moore, and then take post at the wharf boat, cal- 
culating in my mind the quickest chance of reaching 
Ohio - by going to New Orleans or back to Vicksburg. 
If I could reach the city by daylight tomorrow I could 
be at Lancaster next Saturday - otherwise I will be 
caught by Sunday at Cincinnati. I will not attempt to 
write you from Baton Rouge unless it be a P.S. to this 



1 88 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

letter, taking it for granted that you will hear from there 
from other parties. 

I was a little disconcerted yesterday by two things - 
Jarreau who has heretofore held out to me his willing- 
ness to board me and family until a house could be built, 
told me very frankly that his wife was unwilling, being 
fearful Mrs. Sherman would not be satisfied. I then 
tried Poussin whose house I visited and found very good, 
but he tells me he intends to move in very shortly. The 
only other chance is the house of Biossat - now occupied 
by McNight. It is rather in a tumble down condition 
good enough for summer but calculated to give an Ohio 
lady the horrors. Still I won't let trifles bar my present 
movements. If I bring my family I may come by way of 
New Orleans and bring up all essentials for housekeep- 
ing, relying on your hospitality till I find other accom- 
modations. But I do think it would be well in any event 
to take preliminary steps to procure the lumber, lime, 
etc., for the two professors' houses, certain to be built. 
I am aware that plans, drawings, specifications and esti- 
mates should precede any purchases, but still if that saw 
mill could get to work at once it would facilitate every- 
thing. You may rely on my giving you the quickest pos- 
sible notice of my final determination by telegraph from 
Ohio. . . 

[P.S.] 8 p.m., Tuesday. Reached Baton Rouge, 4 
p.m. Saw Dr. Smith. His bill amended by the House 
to embrace fifty-one beneficiaries - and fifteen thousand 
appropriated therefor. Our idea of the University all 
mistake. In senate the beneficiary opposed on the 
ground of giving our institution the character of the in- 
digent college, but it passed by the casting vote of the 
lieutenant-governor, is now the law. I am perfectly 
willing. The Arsenal Bill will pass if reached but no 



STUDENT TROUBLES 189 

appropriation will be made for the present use of arms. 
I expect to reach New Orleans by 6 a.m. and to start 
north at 7 130 to reach Cincinnati Friday, and home Sat- 
urday. On Monday maybe will again go to Cincinnati 
and telegraph you or Governor Moore by Wednesday or 
Thursday. Dr. Smith says I can have the house of 

Mrs. next Robertson's. If the telegraph announces 

my coming with family, I shall depend on you some- 
what to help me to temporary quarters. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

New Orleans, March 7, i860. 

Dear General: . . . Being oppressed with 
time, and finding myself snug at my old Commissary 
Office, 41 I am forced to bore you again. In the belief 
that you may deem it wise and prudent to call the super- 
visors together to organize under the new law and to 
transact other business I will send you with this a dia- 
gram of the mode in which I recommend the improve- 
ments to be made. Also a drawing of one style of house, 
which would work in all our brick, be comfortable and 
within our estimates. On the whole I advise the use of 
brick as far as the front buildings are concerned : First 
to use up stock on hand - to obviate the necessity of 
buying that much weather boarding, and by using slate 
a couple of feet above ground it will with good project- 
ing roofs and porches make the walls dry enough. In 
that case porches all round. 

I also left with Christy a rough draft of a good look- 
ing house which is larger than this but designed to be 
wholly of wood. On further reflection I think we had 
better use the brick. By so doing and by getting Dr. 
Carson's mill we could save a big item in building and 
lay it out in the embellishment of ground. On this point 

41 Where he was stationed from 1852 to 1853. — Ed. 



igo SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

I might enlarge a little -where a little vine creeps by 
the window side, look for virtue and not vice - where a 
taste for beauty and fine scenery is inculcated, look for 
the qualities that adorn society and give stability to a 
state. I would thus at the Seminary attach much im- 
portance to embellishment. Not costly gravelled walks, 
and artificially trimmed trees, but a general care of the 
natural features, with enough art to set it off. Our mili- 
tary movements being on right angles, force us to rec- 
tangular fences, and road, but subordinate to them may 
in time be planted walks and paths to suit the shape of 
the ground. I am satisfied the general group will be 
most striking by arranging all in lines of parallelism 
with the main building and each having some part fin- 
ished of the Tudor style of battlement, so as on its face 
to connect itself with the center of the picture. Those 
general ideas of style explain why I have placed the two 
contemplated professors' houses symmetrically with the 
Seminary and it so happens that each falls on high com- 
manding sites. It may be that Professor Vallas would 
have his a little further back, but I would have it so. 
This is a matter of much importance and should be well 
studied by the Board and acted on independently of me, 
Vallas or anybody else. Only let the decision be made, 
so that when I return we may go to work. 

The last two weeks of March, i860, were spent by Sherman 
in Ohio. As the supervisors hoped, he decided not to accept the 
London position but to return at once to Louisiana. His rea- 
sons for the change of mind are given in the following letters. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Lancaster, Ohio, March 15, i860. 

Dear General: . . . At 5 p.m. of Wednesday, 

I was seated in the car, and soon whirled along Pont- 

chartrain marshes, out into the pine woods and about 4 



STUDENT TROUBLES 191 

a.m. was at Canton, Miss. Then transferring to another 
train we again whirled along through Mississippi and 
at 8 p.m. Thursday we reached Jackson, Tenn., just three 
minutes too late for the cars - a failure caused, the con- 
ductor stated, by the watch of the other conductor; but 
my solution was that he wanted us to spend some money 
at a friend's hotel there. Next morning, Friday, we 
again started at noon were on board the steamboat which 
ferries the twenty miles from Columbus, Ky. to Cairo. 
By comparing the various railroad programmes we 
found our delay at Jackson, Mississippi would cause us 
a further delay on the Ohio and Mississippi, but by go- 
ing round by Indianapolis I found we could save time, 
so I adopted that route, and reached Cincinnati at 11 
a.m. One hour too late -but at 4:40 p.m. I took a 
freight train and reached home Sunday morning by 
daylight. So in spite of interruptions I made good time. 
I find Mr. Ewing is in Washington and Roelofson has 
gone to Europe - thus confusing me somewhat- but as 
I had made up my mind to treat with one Gibson of 
Cincinnati a man of real wealth and business quality, I 
went down to Cincinnati on Tuesday, and saw Mr. Gib- 
son. I found him disinclined to assume any personal 
responsibility and anxious to put me off till Roelofson's 
return. This I would not do, and put the point to him, 
clear of all secondary matters, that I would not vacate 
my place in Louisiana [unless] he, Gibson, would pay 
me $3,750 cash and secure me the remainder of the 
$15,000. I could sell the 1/10 share put to me for $5,000, 
thus making $20,000 for two years' work. Although 
Gibson was willing to bear his proportion, I am not 
willing to treat the affair as a corporation and not a 
partnership, by which each partner is liable personally 
for all contracts and liabilities. Therefore I notified 
Gibson that I would return to Louisiana. 



192 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

Mr. Ewing telegraphs me he will be here to-morrow, 
Friday, when I will telegraph Governor Moore. My 
family are all in good health, living comfortably in a 
house which I hired for them last summer ; the lease will 
not expire till September, and as I have no place fit for 
them in Louisiana I think I will let them remain here 
and I will come back myself next week, reaching the 
Seminary nearly as soon as this letter, provided it be as 
long on the road as letters usually are. 

You may therefore drop the idea of my successor. I 
will return and will no longer entertain this London 
proposition - only for Mr. Ewing's sake I want to see 
him, before I finally speak positively - but as soon as he 
comes I will so telegraph to Governor Moore and tell 
him to write you. By leaving here next Monday or 
Tuesday I will be at the Seminary several days before 
the close of March, in time to make up all accounts - 
and make the first quarterly report. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

S.S. John Raine, Louisville, Ky., March 21, i860. 

DEAR GENERAL: I have already written you that I 
have declined the London proposition, and that I retain 
my place at the Seminary, withdrawing my proposed 
resignation. I am now enroute for Alexandria having 
left Lancaster Monday. I might be at Vicksburg by 
railroad the day after tomorrow, but I have taken this 
boat here and will reach Red River about Thursday 
next and, I hope, the Seminary the next day - the reason 
of my taking the boat here is that I have with me a val- 
uable horse that I do not think should or could be safely 
conveyed without my being along and I am well as- 
sured that I am on the swiftest boat going down. The 
"John Raine" is the regular New Orleans packet. 

I hope the Board of Supervisors will have organized 



STUDENT TROUBLES 193 

under the new law, that it will have instituted the mea- 
sures to build the two professors' houses and the fencing 
so that the summer will find them well advanced. I do 
not bring my family because there is no house for them, 
and because I think they will be better to remain in Ohio 
till Fall. I shall count on remaining in Louisiana all 
summer in place of this opportune leave of absence. 

I received at Lancaster your letter enclosing the copy 
of your correspondence with Governor Moore, which 
you will remember you showed me in your letter book 
and the Governor's reply. Still these copies wese most 
acceptable to my friends and show them the strong in- 
ducements I had for choosing Louisiana in preference to 
London. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Louisiana State Seminary of Learning and Military 
Academy, Alexandria, March 30, i860. 

Dear General : You see I am back, one day behind 
time, caused by the boat's delaying that long in picking 
up freight along shore. Of course I want to see you, 
but Mr. Smith and the Doctor are under engagement to 
visit the ladies at Judge Boyce's, and I always encourage 
that spirit in young gentlemen. 

I have just come from the declamations for this week, 
which show fine progress; also the new uniforms look 
fine. The young gentlemen are as proud as peacocks 
and have hailed my return as though I were their grand- 
father. I had to make them a speech to-night, which 
has filled up the gap of my absence, and I may now 
work again. This is the end of the quarter -I must 
write to the parent of each cadet, and must settle all ac- 
counts, etc., so that next week I shall be busy. 

Dr. Smith and Mr. Manning were out to-day and told 
me that the Board of Supervisors would meet next Sat- 



194 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

urday. If you can reorganize on that day I will en- 
deavor to be ready with all papers and reports they may 
call for. 

The clothing has come, fifty-one suits of cloth and 
fifty-one of flannel, hats, caps, and many spare articles, 
amounting to $3,000. Have you that money in New 
Orleans? We have here, Smith says, about $1,800 more 
than enough to pay all salaries, mess accounts, etc. 
Write me on this point also. Did you get my account 
current and vouchers left at Henarie's? . . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO MRS. SHERMAN 

Alexandria, March 30, i860. 

. . . I wrote you from Louisville and Memphis. 
The boat was elegant and landed me at ten o'clock 
Wednesday night on the wharf boat at Red River and 
at two o'clock same night the boat "Morning Light" 
came along, and Clay 42 and I embarked, reaching Alex- 
andria yesterday at sundown. I rode him out last even- 
ing. He is, you will be pleased to hear, in fine condition 
well pleased with the trip and has no dread of steam- 
boats. He had a fine opportunity to study steam engine, 
and is now familiar with all the parts. 

The cadets seemed glad to see me, and in their new 
uniforms they looked finely. Everything has worked 
well in my absence, and now I can begin to provide for 
the future. I shall be pretty busy next week in making 
up the accounts and sending the results to parents. The 
Board of Supervisors have only awaited my return, and 
will soon meet and consider and order the improvements, 
enlargements, etc., embracing the new professors' 
houses. Of course, the style and general plans of these 
will rest with me, and I will try and get as good houses 
as possible for the money. With tri-weekly mails and 

42 A horse brought from Ohio. — Ed. 



STUDENT TROUBLES 195 

no telegraphs we are as much out of the world here as a 
hermit could desire. 

I find the trees in full leaf, the dogwood in blossom, 
and the season about a month in advance of Ohio. The 
sun is agreeably warm, but the evenings are cool enough 
for a small fire. 

The wedding of Captain Lindsey and daughter of 
Judge Boyce came off some time since and Miss Ann 
Patterson is now at the plantation, twenty-four miles 
off. She has visited the Seminary and two of the pro- 
fessors were so pleased with her, that they are going to 
ride up tomorrow. I shall avail myself of some oppor- 
tunity to call when she comes to Alexandria. Mrs. 
Isaacs is to start for Washington tomorrow and I will 
ride in to see her for a few minutes and as it will afford 
me an opportunity to register this letter, I enclose a hun- 
dred dollar bank bill. I can't get any drafts on the 
North here now. This is a risky mode of remitting 
money, but I must make it. Give my love to all the 
children and folks at Lancaster. . . 



V. THE REORGANIZATION OF THE 
SEMINARY 

Reorganization under the new law. More work for Sherman. His plans 
for his family to come south. Meeting of the Board of Supervisors. Faculty 
resolutions on the military system- Dr. Vallas's Memoir. Circular letter to 
police juries. "Effort to undermine the military and utilitarian character of 
the school." Faculty amusements. House building plans. May Party. Dec- 
lamations. Sherman's lectures on history. St. Ange cheated in a horse trade. 
John Sherman's New York speech. Political matters. Plans for the summer 
vacation. Graham objects to the attack on the Seminary policy. Bragg's 
apprehensions on account of the Seminary. Student mischief. The Mose 
Chicken Case. Difficulty of obtaining supplies. Circulars of information is- 
sued. National politics in i860. 

Immediately after Sherman's return from Ohio the Seminary 
was reorganized under the new law. A new Board of Super- 
visors was appointed and a new policy was inaugurated, minimiz- 
ing to some extent the military and scientific work, while empha- 
sizing the classical. No definite plan of academic government 
and no definite curriculum was agreed upon before the end of the 
session, and, as the correspondence shows, the uncertainty was 
somewhat demoralizing. 

GOVERNOR MOORE TO W. T. SHERMAN 

Baton Rouge, April 4, i860. 

Dear Sir: Yours of the 30th ultimo advising me of 
your return to the Seminary was received this morning, 
and am sure all concerned are as happy as I am at the 
event, and trust we can make it to your interest to remain 
and render your family (if they accompany you) com- 
fortable and happy. . . 

Trusting the condition of affairs at the Seminary may 
continue to improve, and the result of your labors prove 
satisfactory to the whole country, I remain, your friend 
and obedient servant. 



1 98 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

P. G. T. BEAUREGARD TO W. T. SHERMAN 

New Orleans, April 7, i860. 

My DEAR MAJOR: I have just received the enclosed 
letter from Captain G. W. Smith, 43 which speaks for 
itself. I agree with him in his observations. In default 
of Smith, Lovell 44 would be a very proper man, pro- 
vided you still intend to resign, but I hope you will con- 
clude to stay a while longer. 

My son seems to be more and more pleased with your 
institution, although at times a little homesick, but that 
is natural and I expected it. . . When will your sec- 
ond term commence? My second son will probably 
enter then. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Louisiana State Seminary, Alexandria, April 12, 
i860. 
Dear General: I have been pretty busy in obeying 
the orders of the Board of Supervisors and of the Aca- 
demic Board in writing constantly according to their 
dictation, and last night learned with some surprise that 
I was to continue to act as treasurer, bookkeeper, etc., 
whilst Henarie was to hold the money. I have been in 
town all day to find out what is meant. I can't see the 
system, though Dr. Smith insists on its being carried out 
and expects me to try the system. I can see very well 
that all moneys appropriated by the legislature and that 
arising from the tuition fees of cadets, should be appro- 
priated by the Board of Supervisors, and, as it will be 
paid in large amounts [it] could be held in the bank at 
New Orleans without risk and without cost, whereas as 
I now look at it you are to pay Henarie six hundred 

43 Later a Confederate general. — Ed. 

44 Mansfield Lovell a graduate of West Point later a Confederate general. 

-Ed. 



REORGANIZATION OF THE SEMINARY 199 

dollars for that whilst I am as heretofore to ask for 
money to pay the cadets' wants, supply them and keep 
the accounts. 

Here is a work that employs about a dozen at West 
Point, at least three at Lexington, Va., and yet I must do 
it all. I can do it all, not thoroughly but good enough, 
if the treasurer resides here and relieves me of the ne- 
cessity of taking care of so many little items of books, 
clothing, and every species of things needed by cadets. 
If the institution be pressed by want all of us can do ex- 
tra work, but this six hundred dollars now is absolute 
wastage, and negatives the idea of poverty. Still that is 
none of my business and from present appearances I see 
I will have my hands full. 

The atmosphere has changed since I went north, and 
I will find out its drift. I think I see where it lies, and 
I think I divine your plan of defence. Judging from 
the personal nature of your colleagues and their fond- 
ness of disputation I only say that if their intention be to 
submine our regulations, you can by encouraging discus- 
sion on the earlier passages cause them to desist from a 
close examination of clause by clause, and have them 
generally adopted as originally agreed on by the com- 
mittee appointed to draft them. . . 

If you can get the regulations substantially adopted, 
and adjourn with an order for their publication, and an 
agreement as to the arrangements of the terms, I will be 
willing to go on keeping the individual accounts of 
cadets through this term, but if my powers are substan- 
tially curtailed, or any overt disposition made to com- 
plicate matters too much I may have cause to regret my 
sudden refusal of the Roelofson proposal. I have abid- 
ing faith in you - and knowing that you can prevent 
their meeting for mischief now, that without you they 



200 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

cannot act at all, and that you can command a quorum 
always, I will continue to have faith. 

I do think the new fence ought to be built to keep out 
hogs and cattle, and because I made a distinct point be- 
fore the committee at Baton Rouge. Were you to make 
the want of fences next year a cause of application for 
more money it would be detected. Still if you have 
postponed it till after June, I will give Ledoux notice 
that at the close of April, I will discharge one and may- 
be two of his negroes, as all wood-cutting and carrying 
has ceased, and Henry with occasional assistance can 
sweep the galleries and empty the water. I will await the 
result of your Saturday meeting, and conform thereto. 

Smith tells me you are down on him for gallanting. I 
ought to take the blame. At the wedding he appointed 
a revisit to the party, and on Sunday at church he asked 
my leave to accompany them to Mrs. Flower and Dr. 
Bailey. Miss Patterson is the daughter of a particular 
friend of mine in St. Louis. I gave Smith permission 
because I was glad to see him attentive to that party. 
Not an iota of duty was lost. Boyd heard his class. I 
drilled and had evening parade and he was home by 
tattoo, and if we must conform to every rumor we will 
lead a devil of a life here. If we do our work the public 
ought to be well satisfied. I think had Miss Patterson 
been of Rapides Parish, Smith would not have been 
complained of. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO MRS. SHERMAN 

Louisiana State Seminary, Alexandria, April 15, 
i860. 
. . . This is Sunday. Some of the cadets have 
gone to church, some fishing and the balance are walk- 
ing about. The Board of Supervisors are now sitting in 



REORGANIZATION OF THE SEMINARY 201 

a large room only two removed from me, and I hear 
them wrangling and quarreling over points of discipline 
and instruction which they have been now discussing 
for two days. 

They have authorized me to make plans and estimates 
for the two houses. And I expect a builder to be out any 
moment to help me estimate. The Board approve my 
selection of the site for the two new houses, and I be- 
lieve the one selected for ours the best, being on a fine 
high point, distant from the college building yet over- 
looking its grounds. There is a fine spring near by. 
The weather continues warm and excessively dry and all 
are praying for rain to bring up the corn and cotton 
which has been planted for a month. 

I have your several letters asking the price of ser- 
vants, etc., but I cannot answer as all servants here are 
scarce and most everybody owns their own. I suppose 
ten dollars a month will hire a black woman but it is 
impossible to hire a strong man fit for field work at less 
than $25 a month and board. If Emily and Gertrude 
come with you we will still need a man and maybe a 
black girl, as white girls won't work down here long. 
Still we can agree to pay them a bonus if they stay a 
year. But as I wrote you there is no chance of your com- 
ing down for a long time, may be November. 

Dr. Smith one of the supervisors, a physician of long 
standing, says that October and November are the sickly 
months. July and August though hot are perfectly 
healthy. So that he favors those months as the vacation. 
So great is the variation of opinion that I let them fight 
it out as it is proper that they who have lived here all 
their lives should determine the question. I hope to get 
the builders to work in the course of a month but all 
such things proceed so slowly here that I doubt if we 



202 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

can finish this year. Nobody seems to pay any attention 
to time or appointments. . . 

Red River too has already begun to fall and soon will 
be navigated only by the smallest kind of boats and it 
will be next to impossible to procure anything from 
New Orleans, the only point where furniture can be 
had. The stores in Alexandria contain nothing of the 
kind. Indeed California in its worst days had a better 
market than this country. There are no farmers here. 
The planters produce only cotton and sugar on a large 
scale and deem it beneath their dignity to raise anything 
for market. Some of the negroes raise a few sweet po- 
tatoes, corn, etc., which they sell about Christmas time, 
but all the year else everything must come from New 
Orleans. We are now paying for corn one dollar and 
ten cents a bushel and hay costs about forty-eight dollars 
a ton. Everything is proportional, so that I doubt if my 
four thousand dollars will more than barely maintain us. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Louisiana State Seminary of Learning and Military 
Academy, Alexandria, April 17, i860. 

Dear Sir: . . . The reason I am particular 
about this [payment] is that I sent the order for clothing 
through a friend of mine in New York to the most re- 
sponsible clothiers, utter strangers to me, and directed 
him to guarantee payment on the receipt of the goods. 
I know that New Yorkers are punctilious on such points, 
and when this bill is paid our credit must stand on its 
own bottom. It would be better to have clothing come 
from New Orleans, but as you remarked an order sent to 
New Orleans would be sent to New York and we might 
as well do that ourselves. 

On the supposition that the first bill of books will be 



REORGANIZATION OF THE SEMINARY 203 

paid I will send them the measures of our un-uniformed 
cadets . . . and limit our efforts at uniform and 
military instruction to that number. 

I went to town this morning and put into the hands of 
the printer, a circular letter, 45 embodying the resolution 
of the Board with other parts by myself which sub- 
stantially covers the points of your letter. . . These 
circular letters will be ready Thursday and mailed by 
me in town. I have a list of parishes and will prepare the 
envelopes before I go in. I think I had better withhold 
such circular letters from the police juries to which I 
have already written, urging them to confirm the ap- 
pointees by Governor WicklifTe now here, lest it produce 
confusion. 

Madame Delahoussaye has already sent the enclosed 
paper, which, though informal, evidently is a committal 
on the part of the members of the police jury of St. 
Mary's. I think I must consider him [her son] as a 
beneficiary till the Board act. I will write to her to get 
the Board formally to vote in June for her son, to have 
the resolution authenticated by president and secretary 
and their signatures certified by the parish clerk under 
seal. 

If the session be as now fixed, and I don't wish to dis- 
turb it, we will need summer clothing - white jackets, 
vests, and pants with straw hats would be neat and be- 
coming, but a well fitting unbleached linen sack would 
be better, and more appropriate, but not as becoming. 
Still I will not presume to order anything more with- 
out positive approval beforehand of the Board of Su- 
pervisors. I do think that part of the cadets' money, 
not specially set apart for tuition, board, washing, and 
medical attendance should be absolutely under my con- 

45 See page 206. - Ed. 



204 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

trol, and a margin left over for a surplus which we 
must have on hand. I see Colonel Smith 46 has on hand 
eight thousand dollars of stores, and he is within two or 
three days of a market whereas we are months off. 

I think I had better wait till after your meeting of the 
28th, before I estimate for funds needed to carry them 
through August, but I will see that all know the pres- 
ent resolution that they may write home about it. Rob- 
ertson assailed me furiously about it in town to-day, and 
I had to ward off his blow by telling him that the matter 
was absolutely beyond my control, and the act of his 
own townsmen. I shall expect you out with the ladies 
on Saturday. 

There was some opposition in the faculty as well as among 
the supervisors to Graham's plan of vesting all authority in the 
superintendent, to the military system, and to the emphasis given 
to scientific studies. Soon after the passage of the new law by 
the legislature the faculty passed the following resolutions which 
are explained in part by the extracts taken from a Memoir 
written in 1864 by Dr. Vallas. 

FACULTY RESOLUTION, APRIL, i860 

Resolved: that the Academic Board respectfully ask 
the Board of Supervisors to define the true nature of 
"The Seminary of Learning and Military Academy," 
according to the recent act of the legislature- whether 
it is merely a military institute, designed for the promo- 
tion of military and scientific knowledge, or shall the 
literary department be put on an equality with the scien- 
tific, with the military department added only for the 
sake of discipline and order? 

RESOLVED: that the Academic Board respectfully re- 
quest the Board of Supervisors to define, in general 
terms, under the recent law of the legislature, the rela- 

46 Oi the Virginia Military Institute. - Ed. 



REORGANIZATION OF THE SEMINARY 205 

tions and duties which exist between the superintendent 
and other professors. 

FROM A MEMOIR BY DR. VALLAS 

Of all the professors it was only Professor Vallas who 
constantly refused to be assigned to any command, to 
teach any military branch or to have any commission. 
On account of this refusal, he was often charged with 
throwing impediments into the way of the institution, 
and had to meet the frowns of the military party. 

About the same time an important change took place 
in the Board of Supervisors. Up to this time the super- 
visors were appointed from all parts of the state. The 
new Governor Thomas O. Moore took a different course 
[and] filled all the vacancies in the Board with his 
neighbors and dependents of this parish, and this he did 
without regard to qualification; and by doing so he lay 
open the institution to all the untoward influences of a 
village neighborhood, which influences soon centered in 
a single family. 

Two important questions soon turned up and agitated 
the faculty and Board of Supervisors during the first 
session of the institution. The first was: whether all 
the professors stood in the light of military subordi- 
nates to the superintendent; the second, whether all the 
professors should wear a uniform or not. The opposi- 
tion in the faculty was headed by Professor Vallas, in 
the Board of Supervisors by Mr. Manning; and both 
questions were decided against the wishes of the mili- 
tary party. . . 

The circular printed below is one sent out to the parish police 
juries 47 by Sherman explaining the meaning of the legislation of 



47 The parish police jury of Louisiana corresponds somewhat to the Court 
or Board of County Commissioners of other states. — Ed. 



206 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

1 860, relating to the Seminary. The original is in French. All 
official notices and reports of the Seminary were printed in both 
French and English. 

SHERMAN'S CIRCULAR TO POLICE JURIES 

Louisiana State Seminary, April 17, i860. 

Sir: I am directed by the Board of Supervisors to 
communicate to you their request that in nominating a 
beneficiary cadet for this institution . . . you make 
that nomination at your regular meeting in June, with 
the understanding that the cadet shall enter this institu- 
tion at the beginning of next session, that is, the first of 
November, i860, for it is very important that all cadets 
enter their classes at the same time. I take this oppor- 
tunity to say also that it will be well if you will send me 
the name and address of your candidate in order that I 
may communicate with him in regard to the text books 
which he must study and the outfit with which he should 
provide himself before coming here. If the nomination 
is made in June, the cadet whom you choose will have 
time to prepare for admission in November with a better 
chance of success in his classes, and since his appoint- 
ment lasts four years, it makes little difference whether 
the appointment dates from June or from November. 

The present session will end about the middle of Au- 
gust. Our classes began on the second day of last Jan- 
uary and are so far advanced that a young man coming 
in now could not successfully keep up with his comrades 
nor could the professors do justice to him. 

Your candidate should be between fifteen and twenty- 
one years of age, should know how to read and write 
and should have a knowledge of the fundamental prin- 
ciples of arithmetic. With that foundation he can, dur- 
ing the interval between his nomination and the time for 
his admission here, easily prepare himself to fulfill the 
conditions of admission. 



REORGANIZATION OF THE SEMINARY 207 
THOMAS O. MOORE TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Baton Rouge, April 19, i860. 
Dear Sir: Your favor . . . was received this 
morning, in which you state, "efforts are being made in 
the Board which if carried into effect will inevitably un- 
dermine the military and utilitarian character of the 
school." I trust such will not be the case, at least to the 
extent which you seem to apprehend, as I have under- 
stood there would be no opposition to the military 
branch of the institution, so it did not interfere with the 
other important branches of education. These are my 
views. We may differ as to how far the former may 
interfere but it seems that some satisfactory and benefi- 
cial compromise could be made, and I hope will. I 
much fear my becoming a member or rather the pres- 
ident of the Board will not add to its usefulness, as my 
experience in such matters, with but a very limited edu- 
cation, gives me but little confidence. . . 

The next letters show Sherman engrossed in routine work, 
planning for the erection of a dwelling for his family and finding 
amusement in the horse trading experiences of the Gallic pro- 
fessor, St. Ange. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

SEMINARY, Saturday, April 21, i860. 
Dear General: Pursuant to your emphatic order 
(the wit of which has not got through St. Ange's head 
yet, which you know is not the clearest of our solons 
here), I conveyed it to Major St. Ange, Smith and 
Boyd -also Dr. Clarke. Mr. Boyd really has no pen- 
chant for such things and preferred to stay, and St. 
Ange fearing that if Boyd staid and he went an invidious 
comparison might be instituted between them, he was 
loth to go, but I found that he had a lingering fear that 
your emphatic order embraced the payment of twenty- 



2 o8 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

five dollars which from former experience he knew to be 
the charge for the ladies' stand. No poor Major was any 
more befuddled than he was, and knowing that fifty 
cents was all he had in his pocket I lent Smith twenty 
dollars and told him to offer St. Ange ten dollars to buy 
a ticket. Of course I understood that you had provided 
tickets at the places named. 

Well at last Smith, St. Ange and Doctor Clarke sal- 
lied forth for the races leaving me with the figuring and 
Mr. Boyd at his class. The idea of your styling him 
major, and being a grave and serious general yourself, 
he did not doubt your power to order him to go to the 
races and to buy a twenty-five dollar ticket. His little 
composure was all gone. When at the ferry, it seems 
Smith met some messenger from you with a note in a 
lady's hand writing amounting to a countermand. Smith 
returned to the Seminary forthwith - the Doctor got 
back at 4 p.m. and St. Ange not till 8 a.m. to-day, driving 
a new horse in a neat buggy. It seems he disposed of a 
little seventy-five dollar tackey and bought horse and 
buggy for two hundred fifty dollars. He must have 
bought on credit for he had no money. 

Mills came out at last. He and I figured on a good 
house until we got above our money. We then tried to 
cut off here and there but at last abandoned it. We 
then settled on two plans - either of which can be made 
handsome and good enough for the money - and another 
better house admitting of enlargement in case it should 
ever become necessary, substituting in lieu of a wing a 
temporary frame-kitchen like your negro quarters. I 
will try and have three plans for your Board next Sat- 
urday, and as the committee is absent it might be right 
and proper that the Board resume the power thus dele- 
gated and act themselves. The river is already so low, 
that I am of opinion that, in building, this year is lost, 



REORGANIZATION OF THE SEMINARY 209 

and that if procrastination and delay are necessary here 
that we had better let the matter take its natural course, 
and the buildings be finished when they are finished. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Louisiana State Seminary, Alexandria, April 26, 
i860. 

Dear General: I will send as usual for the mail 
to-day and I suppose you will expect to hear from me. 
There is nothing new. All things move along. We 
have a new cadet, No. 61, Cadet Bogan, nephew of 
Bogan of Alexandria. I expect the Board on Saturday. 
I have made plans and elevations of a very good house 
that Mills will undertake to erect by October 15, at 
$5,000. As this matter is of much importance and in- 
terest maybe, if you have room it would be well to pick 
him up and bring him out. There are one or two slight 
modifications in his plan that I would make and his 
assent should be obtained. It will be cutting close to 
finish well at our figures. We at one time thought of a 
plan that would admit of additions and alterations as we 
became better able, but on reflection I concluded it 
would be wisest to adhere to the idea of finishing abso- 
lutely for the money appropriated, as new wants will 
arise faster than our means. 

As for the treasurership, until you intend to employ 
assistants to mathematics and English to whom could 
be assigned the duties of treasurer and librarian, I would 
prefer to wag along as now, getting Dr. Clarke and the 
drummer to help me in posting. I don't think you can 
waste a cent on any sinecure office. You know in large 
bills, there is no trouble in paying -it is in the small 
items which [are] necessarily innumerable. 

Some days ago some cadets handed me a subscription- 
list for a "May party." I returned it to them because 



210 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

the sums were unequal and too large - from one dollar 
to five dollars. I explained to a few of the oldest cadets 
that I would not oppose a moderate May party on a 
Saturday or maybe of a Friday night after the week's 
study was over, but all concerned must be equal, and 
share alike, and the expense should not exceed a dollar 
or dollar and half each, but that no further steps should 
be taken till Saturday that I might submit the financial 
question to the Board. 

Last night Gus Jarreau brought me out a printed copy 
of the invitation for Friday next two weeks. They are 
crazy to show their uniforms to the girls and as they 
have really made good progress in study and drill, and 
cannot have a party at examination- midsummer- I 
think we had better permit it. I can control the invi- 
tations and expense, and see they are proper and moder- 
ate. My opinion is that the studies and military exer- 
cises being regular and thorough, relaxation and amuse- 
ment outside thereof will be salutary. I hope the Board 
will take this view of it, as it is very important that these 
cadets when they go forth should be content and enthus- 
iastic in favor of our system. Some may think this 
wrong but too much study made Jack a dull boy. 

Every Friday evening "all hands" attend in the large 
section room to declaim. After they are through I gen- 
erally speak half an hour or so on some interesting piece 
of history. They take great interest in it; next Friday 
I must in connection with my last, approach and maybe 
recount the leading events of the Conquest of California. 
Although not liking a critical audience, if you happen 
to be here on Friday night, you may be admitted, but if a 
critical audience ever comes, I'll produce St. Ange, the 
orator of our institution. 



REORGANIZATION OF THE SEMINARY 211 

The elegant Black of St. Ange is a "sell." After his 
drive to Judge Boyce's and back he struck dead lame. 
St. Ange is bound to have a lawsuit because he bought 
under warrantee from one Levy of Alexandria and gave 
his note, negotiable of course, at six months for two hun- 
dred fifty dollars. His letter to Levy is a masterpiece - 
but I doubt much if it produce any other effect than to 
give him time to transfer his negotiable paper. I would 
give one hundred dollars to be free to take Levy's case - 
put St. Ange on the stand and make him describe his 
drive to Judge Boyce's and back- he first described the 
journey as enough to kill any horse, but now that his 
horse is lame he insists it was a sweet ride and not enough 
to hurt a colt. There is plenty of fun in the cause. Tell 
the lawyers the case is worth five hundred dollars cash. 

To his brother, John, Major Sherman wrote in April ask- 
ing for a copy of a speech made by the former in New York, 
and "if national I will have it circulated." John Sherman sent 
the speech stating that it contained "a good deal of bitterness, 
natural enough, but which you will not approve." The speech 
was not "circulated" but given to the "Southern Rights" mem- 
ber of the faculty — Professor Boyd — among whose papers it was 
found fifty years later. To his brother and brother-in-law 
Sherman usually wrote freely on political matters. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO JOHN SHERMAN 

Alexandria, La., May 8, i860. 
. . . There is one point which you concede to the 
Southern States, perfect liberty to prefer slavery if they 
choose; still, you hit the system as though you had feel- 
ing against it. I know it is difficult to maintain perfect 
impartiality. In all new cases, it is well you should 
adhere to your conviction to exclude slavery because you 
prefer free labor. That is your perfect right, and I was 



212 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

glad to see that you disavowed any intention to molest 
slavery in the district. 

Now, so certain and inevitable is it that the physical 
and political power of this nation must pass into the 
hands of the free states, that I think you can well afford 
to take things easy, bear the buffets of a sinking dynasty, 
and even smile at their impotent threats. You ought 
not to expect the southern politicians to rest easy when 
they see and feel their crisis so long approaching, and 
so certain to come absolutely at hand. . . But this 
year's presidential election will be a dangerous one ; may 
actually result in Civil War, though I still cannot be- 
lieve the South would actually secede in the event of the 
election of a Republican. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO THOMAS EWING JR. 

Louisiana State Seminary of Learning and Military 
Academy, Alexandria, May if, i860. 

DEAR Tom : I have received one or two Leaven- 
worth papers reminding me of the place, which I have 
read with interest, and I see that you and McCook 48 are 
still at work. I hope business goes prosperously ; I sup- 
pose the Democratic Party does not love Kansas or its 
memory, and that some pretext will be sought out and 
found to keep her out of the Union till after the presi- 
dential election. The adjournment of the Convention 
in Charleston without a platform or nomination looks 
like a break up of the Democratic Party, and I have my 
fears of the consequences. 

I know that our general government has not the moral 
or physical power to subdue a rebellion, and should one 
be attempted by Alabama, South Carolina or other ex- 
treme states I fear the consequences. Of course I would 
advocate the policy of force, for if a state may at its 

48 Ewing and McCook were former law partners of Sherman. — Ed. 



REORGANIZATION OF THE SEMINARY 213 

pleasure withdraw, leaving a gap in the seacoast or 
frontier, the government would not be worth preserving. 

People here are somewhat troubled, they regard the 
Republican Party as hostile to their paramount inter- 
ests, and their politicians might stir them up to resist- 
ance in the case of the election of an extreme Republi- 
can. I hope that party will [not] nominate Seward, 
but take up some man as McLean or Bates, who though 
Republicans are moderate men. I suppose your poli- 
tical success being based on the Republican success you 
will go in heart and hand to sustain the Chicago nom- 
inee, be he whom he may. John is of course committed 
beyond hope. That the physical and political power 
remains with the North is now manifest, but I hope that 
moderate counsels will prevail until that fact be more 
fixed and conceded. 

I am getting along here very well, we have sixty-two 
cadets. Vacation is fixed for August 20 to November 1. 
I think I shall go for Ellen in September and re- 
turn in October. I have just contracted for a good 
house to be built by October 15. Our institution is act- 
ing up to the expectations of the most sanguine, and the 
belief is that next year we will have one hundred fifty 
a number about as great as we can accommodate. 

Thus far with the exception of a couple of weeks in 
April our weather is cool and pleasant. I still wear 
woolen clothes and sleep under a pair of blankets, but 
this is unusual and the crops, sugar, cotton, and corn are 
very backward. . . 

The following letters relate to Sherman's plans in behalf of 
the Seminary which he wishes carried out during the summer 
vacation, and to the fear of Bragg and Graham that the new 
Board of Supervisors will reverse the military and utilitarian 
policy of the first board. 



214 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Louisiana State Seminary, Alexandria, May 23, 
i860. 

Dear General: . . . Paid for the straw hats, 
and all outstanding matters, leaving me enough to carry 
me till the new instalments are called for from the par- 
ents, which I will now take in hand, first having com- 
pleted "posting" all accounts. Yesterday befell me an 
accident, which compels me to ask you for a duplicate 
of the check you sent me for my pay for April. I did 
not ask for the check as I was waiting for this month to 
expire so as to get two months at once. But the check 
you sent me is lost, and lest you may suppose me careless 
I will explain. 

For the first time I succeeded in getting Ledoux to 
ride over the road. I put your envelope with the checks 
in my pocket- and rode in with Ledoux, examining the 
road he wants, which lies to the east and south of his 
house. A straight line goes I think full three hundred 
yards to the west of his house. Still we rode over it 
carefully. I was in town, paid Robertson for hats and 
other little bills, put the other check (of course not yet 
endorsed) in an envelope along with receipts and came 
out at midday taking P. along. We rode along, around 
and across Rocky Bayou and I only am thankful that 
I got out with any clothes. My horse left hair enough 
to mark the trail and among other things lost was this 
envelope with contents. I have been thinking all day 
to retrace steps and look for it, but think it would be 
impossible and therefore I ask simply a duplicate of the 
same check. I will write a note to Mr. Davis, who 
knows my signature perfectly to caution his cashier 
against the original, should it have fallen into wrong 
hands, and a forged endorsement attempted. 



REORGANIZATION OF THE SEMINARY 215 

You need be in no hurry about this, but as you have 
occasion to send to Whittington 49 for other checks, ask 
his signature to the duplicate. Be sure to write "Dup- 
licate" in red ink if you have it across the face of the 
check. 

Whittington spoke to me about escorting his daughter 
north this summer. I don't know that I accepted it 
with sufficient vim. It would afford me great pleasure 
to do that for him -and there is a fitness in it. Mrs. 
Sherman is a particular friend of the Lady Prioress, 
your sister. 

Lancaster is on the way to Washington and I must go 
to Washington to make a strong* quota of arms for 1861, 
which I think Governor Moore and the Adjutant-gen- 
eral Grivot have promised us positively. I have asked 
the governor to place in my possession the usual requisi- 
tions and receipts, or to commission me to receipt for 
the quota of arms of 1861 and I will during vacation, 
without charge to state or Seminary go to Washington 
and try to get them in time for our November opening. 
I must go to New York about clothing. 

Therefore I can escort Miss Whittington, with per- 
fect safety and without additional expense. Of course 
every step of the journey is as familiar to me as the road 
hence to your house - indeed more so. I will not how- 
ever be able to leave till a week or so after cadets are 
gone as I take it then there will be many things for me 
to see to, and everybody else will run at the drop of the 
curtain. Vallas may be excepted. 

G. MASON GRAHAM TO GOVERNOR MOORE 

Tyrone Plantation, May 26, i860. 
Dear Sir : ... As to the "satisfactory and bene- 

49 A member of the Board of Supervisors. — Ed. 

* So written in letter. There is evidently an omission here. — Ed. 



216 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

ficial compromise" which you suggest, all compromises 
are temporary expedients, and I never have seen a tem- 
porary expedient resorted to that did not result in per- 
manent trouble. When a thing is right adhere to it as 
right, and you avoid much trouble. In the case under 
our consideration, a very full Board, with two dissent- 
ing voices, determined that this school should be "a lit- 
erary and scientific school, under a military system of 
government, on a program and plan similar to that of 
the Virginia Military Institute." The public sentiment 
of the state has sanctioned this, the voice of the legisla- 
ture has ratified it, every application for professorship 
in it was made with a distinct knowledge that this was 
to be its character; and because this was to be its char- 
acter, is it right, proper, just, in any sense whatever, 
that a constant warfare of side blows should be kept up 
against the system adopted, thus forever keeping the 
minds of these most intimately connected with it, and 
most immediately interested in the institution, in a state 
of doubt and uncertainty? If things are to be constant- 
ly changed, how is there to be any stability? What is 
the use of the shadow of anything if there be no sub- 
stance to it? 

The circumstance to which I had most particular ref- 
erence in my letter of 16th ult. and which incited me to 
that letter, was the effort made, and still pending, in the 
Board to declare that these professors who do not teach 
any purely military branch are not under the military 
government of the superintendent, but stand to him only 
in the relation of professors to a president of an ordinary 
college, coupled with a right of their "instructing" the 
superintendent to do a thing, thus creating two kinds 
of power, and two kinds of government in one institu- 
tion. 



REORGANIZATION OF THE SEMINARY 217 

I do not apprehend that you and I differ at all in our 
"views" as to what shall be taught in the school. I de- 
sire to have everything taught that is taught at the Vir- 
ginia School, which comprehends everything necessary 
to a useful, practical education. In addition to what 
is taught there I would have Spanish taught here, as 
being both a utility and an accomplishment, but I would 
have neither Greek nor Hebrew taught here (neither 
being taught there), at least until the educational wants 
of the people of the state require it, because, useful to 
but few, they take too much time from studies of greater 
utility. There are plenty of other schools where those 
can go who desire to acquire a finished classical educa- 
tion. There is no school in the state, and but few out 
of it, of the utilitarian character that we desire to give 
to this one, where those arts and sciences shall be taught 
which are of practical use in the every day employ- 
ments of life, together with a fair degree of useful liter- 
ature. 

Still in deference to the wishes and opinions of the 
few, the professor of English and ancient languages is 
required to teach Greek to those who desire it; yet in an 
institution where there is a regular routine of studies, 
duties, and hours, optional studies, as a part of the 
course, are impracticable. They may be pursued in 
private, but uanvoidably throw everything out of gear 
if attempted in the course. Hence the Professor of an- 
cient languages advises that Greek be either made com- 
pulsory on all alike, or else omitted altogether. Eng- 
lish and Latin are enough for one man to teach. . . 
How many of the boys of Louisiana want to learn 
Greek? or will go to an institution at all where they will 
be compelled to study it? 



218 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

What I am solicitous about, however, is that the clas- 
sic studies should not be given a preponderance over 
the scientific, and that the military system of govern- 
ment for the institution should be clearly and entirely 
maintained. This thing of elevating the standard of 
education in our state, giving it a utilitarian character, 
and making it attractive and attainable at home, has 
long occupied my thoughts - the past five years of my 
life have been devoted to it - it has been the subject of a 
good deal of study and of considerable correspondence 
with me. . . 

BRAXTON BRAGG TO W. T. SHERMAN 

Lafourche near Thibodaux, June 14, i860. 

My DEAR Sherman : Your letter has been too long 
without a reply, but procrastination steals on us imper- 
ceptibly. My time at home has been in fragments only 
for the whole year, and not having been accustomed to 
manage my own business by a proxy it annoys me no 
little. Even now I am worrying over matters of detail 
so as to have things ready that I may leave home for a 
few weeks for my health. A short trip to the moun- 
tains after five years here is advised for me. By 15th 
July I shall be off to be absent two months. 

Parts of your letter caused me pain, for I clearly 
foresee the downfall of the Seminary if Smith 50 suc- 
ceeds. All such efforts under abstract theorists have 
gone down with the curses of their patrons and a loss of 
the endowments. On the contrary I never had a doubt 
of perfect success under practical common sense men. 
I fear that Smith is backed by Governor Moore, and 
though both of them may mean well, neither has any 
knowledge of education or mental training ; but they are 
governed by abstract theories which no reasoning can 

60 Dr. S. A. Smith, who wanted to model the Seminary after the University 
of Virginia. — Ed. 



REORGANIZATION OF THE SEMINARY 219 

reach. Nothing ever brought Smith to yield as far as he 
did last winter but down right abuse from some half 
dozen of your friends at Taylor's table. Taylor and 
Goode both told him plainly they would take active 
measures to abolish the whole thing if he did not give up 
his University theories. 

I pray that you may be successful for your own sake, 
and because I believe it the only institution which will 
succeed in this country. Friend Graham writes me he 
has suggested my name to the governor for the appoint- 
ment of supervisor. I believe it will not succeed. 
Where Dr. Smith got his authority for saying I would 
not accept I do not know. Neither to him nor any oth- 
er man did I ever say so. Upon the contrary, I thought 
the governor ought to have offered me the appointment 
when the legislature with so much unanimity made it a 
"Military Academy." I would then have accepted, in- 
deed desired it. But no opinion was ever expressed to 
anyone on the subject. Nothing could have induced me 
to appear in the light of seeking a position of honor. 

Now I doubt if I could consistently accept. Hold- 
ing two offices - trifles it's true - in my parish - Levee 
Inspector and School Director - my time is all occupied. 

If you yet have any organization or definite regula- 
tions let me hear. The commencement and end of your 
academic year, times of examinations, vacations, if any, 
etc. Our police jury gave my young friend Perkins the 
appointment from this parish. I don't know that they 
will send you any notice. The note I enclosed him is 
official from the president of the jury. 

I have heard nothing as yet from the old Battery. 51 
When in Washington this summer I will see Col. Craig 52 
and try to effect the object. 

51 Bragg was trying to get for the Seminary his Buena Vista battery. — Ed. 

52 Chief of Ordinance, United States Army. — Ed. 



220 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

When in New Orleans in May last I met by accident 
with our old friend Steptoe. Sadly changed, poor fel- 
low, and still more sadly situated. He was on his way 
home from Cuba, where he had spent the winter nursing 
a charming wife, far gone with the consumption and he 
is himself a sad victim to the same insidious disease. It 
was a sad but pleasant meeting, so unexpected to both 
of us. He has resigned. 

I will write to Friend Graham soon. 

The student outbreak of February did not end such troubles. 
Toward the close of the first session Sherman was forced to solve 
a problem involving the peculiar student code of honor. There 
were no further serious troubles during this session. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Louisiana State Seminary, Alexandria, June 16, 
i860. 

SIR: It is proper I should announce to you my pro- 
posed course in relation to the affairs at the spring. The 
wasting of water, the ducking the negro, and hiding his 
buckets, are small things in themselves, but still if al- 
lowed cadets will let who pleases them take water and 
no body else. Next with regard to stable, houses, wood, 
and all other Seminary property. Obstructing the ser- 
vant was a "violence;" the perpetrators should be pun- 
ished, but the cadets think it is mean to tell on each other. 

Two are dismissed not for that act simply, but be- 
cause they are in all scrapes and don't tell the truth. I 
have come to a new set who won't tell because it is 
thought mean to tell on one another. Campbell and 
Ringgold now are willing to tell, but I don't want the 
facts from them, but first from Stafford, next from Hil- 
lan and so on in order. Stafford admits he was there, 
knows all about it but won't tell. He is in arrest. There 
are no disputed facts, but simply our wheels are locked, 



REORGANIZATION OF THE SEMINARY 221 

he will not tell. I have again and again explained to 
him the inevitable consequence but he goes farther and 
says even if his father advise to the contrary he will not 
tell. Unless you order otherwise after giving his father 
full notice he too must go. I have given Hillan notice 
that unless Stafford tell, he must, that I must know the 
truth be it better or worse than I conceive, and that 
the perpetrators must bear that measure of punishment 
they deserve for obstructing the operations of the Mess 
Hall, and for disobedience of orders, in not answering 
pertinent questions. 

My orders on the 6th of June published on parade 
and well discussed in the "Mose Chicken Case" were in 
these words : "The superintendent will call on no cadet 
to expose the little peccadillos of his fellow, but when 
these peccadillos amount to violence, breaking the laws 
of the state, and insults to superiors, the case is different 
and it should be the pride of every cadet to help and 
check these things, for they aim at a destruction of the 
institution itself. There is a wide difference in the two 
classes of cases. Older and better informed are now 
cautioned against being drawn into the custom of con- 
cealing real wrongs and outrages, because it looks like 
'tattling.' Mischievous cadets will try to establish this 
rule, because it will shelter them in their mischief." 

The rule is now established, and the question arises 
shall it be the rule of this honorable institution that ca- 
dets may steal and rob, and plunder, trespass on the 
premises of neighbors, combined in all sorts of outrages 
called by them mischief, and when we trace it to the 
very lookers on, they can answer - we saw it, but we did 
it not ourselves and are restrained by a sense of honor 
from tattling on our fellows. In the case in hand - 
Ringgold and Campbell did it not - of course - Stafford 



222 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

and Hillan, very intelligent clever boys - yea more, saw 
it all, admit it, but no! the cadets think it wrong to tell 
on one another. 

Now I conceive I am armed with full power to do 
right. This is a state institution, we must be above 
wrong. The truly penitent shall never appeal to me in 
vain, but hypocrisy and falsehood shall, when I can, be 
spotted and blotted out. Ringgold and Campbell are 
dismissed. Stafford must follow or tell. Same of Hil- 
lan, and same of all who were there. We have a right 
to know the truth and must have it. 'Tis useless longer 
to postpone this issue. Have I your personal and offi- 
cial sanction? 

P.S. All the circulars issued to appointees. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO MRS. SHERMAN 

Seminary, June 28, i860. 

. . . Last week I dismissed summarily two cadets 
of good families and large connexions. One has ap- 
pealed to the Board of Supervisors who may be weak 
enough to yield to such influence. And if they do it 
will severely weaken my power and influence and may 
shake my faith in my hold on their confidence. They 
meet on Saturday. This is Thursday and I will then 
see whether I am to govern here or be governed by the 
cast off boys of rich planters. 

So well impressed are all gentlemen here of the neces- 
sity of some restraint on the boys, who have been in- 
dulged at home to an unlimited extent, that I doubt not 
they will approve my acts, but like all deliberative 
bodies they may take some half way course and recom- 
mend me to receive them back on their promising refor- 
mation. I will not do so unless they command me, which 
they have a right to do. 

We will celebrate the 4th of July by a cadet oration 



REORGANIZATION OF THE SEMINARY 223 

and Declaration of Independence, etc., and our examin- 
ation July 30 and 31 will be celebrated by a large at- 
tendance. 

The weather has been warm but never as warm as at 
St. Louis or in Ohio. The summers here are long, but 
the proximity to the sea gives us the same air as we felt 
off Cuba which I think perfect. Indeed I don't object 
to the summers here. All are well and healthy and 
there is no apprehension of epidemic. These always 
originate in New Orleans and spread by the steamboats 
so that here they always have full warning and can take 
due precaution. Take the year all round this must be a 
healthy place. 

The only drawbacks and they are serious are servants 
and marketing. All here own their slaves and there are 
properly speaking no servants for hire. White girls or 
boys will not come from New Orleans though in time 
they may. All groceries and meats must come from 
New Orleans - the grass is so poor that sheep and cattle 
are skeletons and milk exceedingly scarce. Goat milk 
will be better. This year the drought has been unbear- 
able destroying all gardens, but the season is so long that 
they can plant two or three times. The soil on the river 
bottom is very perfect, here in the pine hills as poor as 
poverty itself. Still by care we can make lettuce, pota- 
toes sweet and Irish, beans, peas and such things when 
the season favors. There are no market gardens; the 
negro slaves have small patches which they are allowed 
to cultivate and sell off -but these are all on the other 
side of the river. . . 

In June, i860, the authorities sent out appointments to 
scholarships for the next session and at the same time Sherman 
framed circulars to be distributed for general information. 
These are useful to throw light on internal arrangements at the 



224 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

Seminary. In the second circular the omitted portions contain 
information embraced in the preceding circular. 

CIRCULAR OF JUNE 15, i860 

In answer to the very numerous inquiries addressed 
to me, I have obtained from the Board of Supervisors 
the necessary authority to make this Circular for gen- 
eral information. 

This institution is in part maintained from a fund 
held for its benefit in trust by the state, and also by direct 
appropriation on the part of the legislature. It is re- 
quired by law to educate fifty-three cadets, for and on 
account of the state, and we are prepared to undertake 
the education and training of about one hundred young 
gentlemen, other than those before referred to as state 
cadets. 

The next term will commence on the 1st day of No- 
vember, i860; and all who present themselves in person 
at the Seminary between the 29th day of October and 
the 1 st day of November, with or without the formality 
of a previous appointment, will be examined and, if 
found qualified, will be assigned to rooms and classes 
and at once enter upon their studies and duties. The 
conditions of admission are: that each applicant shall 
be between fifteen and twenty-one years of age, of good 
moral character and free from any infectious or con- 
tagious disease; he must be able to read and write the 
English language well, and to perform, with facility 
and accuracy, the operations of addition, subtraction, 
multiplication, and division, vulgar and decimal frac- 
tions, and simple and compound proportion. 

After admission a printed copy of the regulations 
will be placed in his hands, and he will be required to 
conform to them strictly. The greatest regularity in all 
duties and recitations will be enforced, and every vio- 



REORGANIZATION OF THE SEMINARY 225 

lation of the regulations will be punished by marks of 
demerits, one hundred of which for a term of six months, 
will be punished with dismissal. Any great disorder, 
disobedience or other irregularity, endangering the hon- 
or, reputation or safety of the Institution itself, will be 
followed by dismissal. But every facility will be af- 
forded to the obedient and studious cadet to obtain a 
good education. 

Each cadet will be expected to bring from his home a 
good trunk, seven good shirts, four pairs of drawers, 
seven pairs of cotton socks, two pairs of good shoes or 
boots, six pocket handkerchiefs, four pairs of white 
drilling pants, two pairs of white Berlin gloves, six 
towels, one clothes brush, one hair brush, one tooth 
brush, and one comb; also two bags for soiled clothing. 
All of which should be indelibly marked. He will need 
at the Seminary as an outfit to be paid for in cash: 1 
chair -$1.50, 1 single mattress -$4, 1 linen cover to 
wrap the bedding -$1.15, 2 straps - $1.00, 2 pairs of 
good blankets - $8.00, 2 pairs of sheets - $2.80, 2 pillow 
cases - 60 cts., 1 feather pillow - $2.00, 1 looking glass - 
75 cts., 1 water bucket -30 cts., 1 dipper -30 cts., can- 
dlestick and snuffers -$i, 1 uniform hat- $8; in all 
say -$32. These articles may be brought from home 
but will be at the Seminary for sale at cost prices, about 
as above. They should last four years with care. 

The expenses for a session of ten months are esti- 
mated as follows: 



Washing at $2 per month 




.pi A\J . <_«_» 
20.00 


Medical attendance and medicines . 


I5.00 


Rent of fixed furniture 


. 


5.00 


Uniform suit of cloth 


. 


25.00 


Fatigue suit of jeans 


. 


I7.00 


Summer pants, vests, and 


jackets 


2I.OO 



226 



SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 



Two pairs of shoes 


IO.OO 


Straw hat and cap . 


5-50 


Text books and stationery . 


30.00 


Fuel 


12.00 


Candles 


8.00 


Tuition per annum . 


60.00 



Absolutely necessary expenses . . $348.50 

Experience shows that some Cadets will need other 
things not enumerated above, such as postage stamps, 
letter paper, matches, gloves, etc., but no cadet should 
be allowed to spend more than $400 in any one year. 
Each cadet should bring with him $35 for outfit, and 
$200 for six months' expenses in advance. Of this money 
an accurate account current will be kept at the Semi- 
nary, each cadet having a pass book in which his own ac- 
count will be kept. There is no necessity for pocket 
money; yet, if parents desire their sons to have it, they 
are requested to advise the superintendent by letter to 
allow at his discretion a moderate sum, not to exceed 
two dollars per month ; for which a special deposit must 
be made. 

No cadet will be permitted to have money otherwise 
than above, and it is positively prohibited by the regula- 
tions for cadets to apply for or receive money from their 
parents, or to contract any debt whatever. All shop- 
keepers in this neighborhood are well acquainted with 
this rule, and parents are requested never to pay such 
bills, as cadets have no necessity to incur any debts in any 
manner whatever, without the distinct written permis- 
sion of the superintendent. 

The government of the institution is military, similar 
to that at the Academy at West Point ; but the course of 
study has been selected with great. care, and embraces 
more of the classic languages and literature than is us- 
ually taught in military schools. 



Louisiana State Seminary of Learning 

AND MILITARY ACADEMY. 



ALEXANDRIA, JUNE lo, I860, 



SIR: — I am officially informed that you have been appointed a State 'Cadet in this Institution, 
and I hereby request that you will present yourself here in person, between the 29th and 31st of 
October prepared to be examined on the 1st day of November for admission. 

The qualifications for admission are : Age from fifteen to twenty-one years, of good mors! char- 
acter, free from any contageous or infectious disease ; you should read the English Language flu- 
ently and well, write a plain legible hand, and be able to perform with facility and accuracy the 
operations of Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, Vulgar and Decimal Fractions, Sim- 
ple and Compound Proportion ; and indeed to understand all subjects embraced in the ordinary 
Books on Arithmetic. That of Dairies' is adopted as our standard, and it would he well for you 
to procure it and study it well. You will be examined on the foregoing subjects, and will imme- 
diately enter on the regular course of. study, begining with Davies' Algebra (Bourdon,) Geometry 
(Xegr/dre) the French Grammar of Noel <k Chapsal, the English Grammar by Noble. Butler, and 
the Latin Grammar by Rudiman. If these Text Books can be pro 
to get them, and study them before coming here, as all such know] 
and will -be of marked advantage to you in your class. 

Bring with you a good trunk, 7 good shirts; 4 

fairs of cotton socks, 2 pairs of good stout shoes or 
andkercheifs, 6 towels, clothesbrush, hair brush, t 
ing, clothing well marked. 

You will need here as an outfit 1 chair si 
in$l 15, 1 pair of leather straps $1, 2 pair o 
cases 60 cts., 1 feather pillow §2, 1 looking-glass 75 cts., water buc 
stick and snuffers si and 1 uniform hat £s, in all say s:V2. These 
brought from home. 

The State will provide you annually. 

Board. 1(1 m. lit! ialjli ' 

Woshinj:, lu inomhsnt Si 

Medical aue-id-mcr .,,. I v.- . .,„- . . 



pair- of dra' 

ts, 2 pairi 

loth brush, t 

1 mattrass s4, 

lod blankets ss 




ed al home you will do well 
■e xv i 1 1 be so much gained, 

pairs of white drill pants, 7 
lite Berlin gloves, o pocket, 
iud 2 bags tor soiled cloth- 

n cover to «rap (he bedding 
r of sheets *2 80, 2 piilow- 
30 cts., dippeT 80 ets, candle- 

3t be paid for in cash, unless 



Stran Hat ;u 
'J'.ixl licks 

Wood 

Candle* 



TOTAL 

The appropriation by the Legislature fortl 
each State Cadet, and the amount is distribnt 
quire moi'e clothing, and also that you should 
postage stamps, ferry money when you go to i 
should deposit with the Treasurers small sun 
of the Superintendent for your account. The 

No Cadet will be permitted to contract a <3 
and parents are earnestly requestezl to recojrnize no such debts as the Men 
formed of this rule, and one of the chief 
system and econemy. 

As soon as you are examined and admitted you will be placed in a room with three or four 
other XDadets, provided in all respects like yourself, a copy of our printed regulations will be 



sd.asabove. It is prob 
have other minor arljil 
.■huivh or for such like < 

i of juoi.ey, say about s; 
articles enumerated as < 
ebt without the written 
ize no such debts as the 
s of this Institution is t< 



s-js:', per annum for 
on may absolutely re- 
ii as letter envelops, 
». and if possible you 
be disbursed by order 
lould last four years. 
of the Superintendent, 
nuts hpre are well in- 
lish habits of order, 



Sherman's instructions to state cadets 



placed in your hands and you will be required to conform to them with absolute strictness. Every 
departure even in the slightest degree will be noticed, and will be marked -with demerits accord- 
ing to its degree, and should your number of demerits exceed one hundred in six months you will 
be liable to dismission. In like manner any marked disobedience or disorderly conduct calculated 
to impair the discipline or bring discredit on the Institution will be followed by a summary dis- 
mission. 

If however yon come with an earnest desire to obtain a good education, you will find your pro- 
fessors indulgent, patient and forbearing. Your success must depend entirely on youi-self, for your 
teacher can only guide you iu the right path to honor and fame. 

This is peculiarly a State Institution. The Regulations encourage the practice of true Religion 
and Morality, and will aid you in the enjoyment of your religious duties, but there are no Religious 
Ceremonies connected with the Institution itself, aad none can be compulsory. Ministers of the 
Gospel frequently visit it, in which event Cadets are encouraged to attend, but when such i3 not 
the case, the Cadets are permitted under proper restrictions to attend the Church of their choice 
jn the town of Alexandria, three miles distant. , 

The Cadets are organized into companies and drilled, the first year as Soldiers, and in subsequent 
years as Corporals, Sergeants, Lieutenants, Captains and Field Officers. The daily routine of 
duties and discipline will be the same or similar to that of West Point, but our course of study 
will embrace more of the Classic Languages and Literature than is usually taught in Military 
Schools, however, this is not designed for professional Soldiers, but to train up and prepare you 
for the high duties of a good citizen. 

If you come, satisfied with this prospect, and are determined to reap the advantages thus afforded 
you by a generous State, you will find your course, though laborious, useful, honorable and pleas- 
ant, but if you paint to yourself a less li< rable course, you had better change your mind and 

save the expense of a journey hither, and the cost of an (jvifit. 
I am, with respect, 

Your obedient servant. 

W. T. SHERMAN, Superintendent. 




REORGANIZATION OF THE SEMINARY 231 

Daily marks are kept of each recitation. These are 
consolidated quarterly, and a report thereof made to 
each parent or guardian, with the number of demerits 
up to the end of such quarter and the state of the money 
account. 

Before the money deposited with the treasurer is 
exhausted, the superintendent will make his requisition 
on the parent for the amount needed for the r~~ainder 
of the term. It will be seen the institution receives no 
compensation other than the $60 charged as annual tui- 
tion fee - all other moneys are simply held for the ac- 
count and benefit of the cadet, the institution keeping 
an accurate account thereof, subject at all proper times 
to the inspection of the cadet, his parent, or guardian. 
The annual expenses are reduced to as low a figure as 
possible and the actual amount to be expended by any 
cadet will depend upon the care which he takes of his 
books and clothing. 

This is peculiarly a state institution. The regulations 
encourage true morality and religion, and aid cadets 
in the performance of their religious duties. But there 
are no religious ceremonies connected with the institu- 
tion itself and none can be compulsory. Ministers of 
the gospel frequently visit it, in which event, cadets are 
encouraged to attend; but when such is not the case, 
the cadets are permitted under the proper restrictions 
to attend the Church of their choice in the town of Alex- 
andria, three miles distant. 

All cadets are organized into companies and drilled: 
the first year as soldiers, and during subsequent years 
as corporals, sergeants, lieutenants, captains, and field 
officers. 

The text books for the first year are Davies's Univer- 
sity Arithmetic, Bourdon's Algebra and Davies's Le- 
gendre's Geometry, Noel and Chapsal's French Gram- 



232 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

mar, Noble Butler's English Grammar, Rudiman's 
Latin Grammar, and Josse's Spanish Grammar. All 
knowledge of these books acquired before coming here 
will give a great advantage in the first organization of 
the classes. W. T. Sherman, superintendent. 

In June after hearing of Lincoln's nomination and the threat- 
ened split in the Democratic Part}', Sherman wrote to his 
brother John. 

. . . Though Lincoln's opinions on slavery are as 
radical as those of Seward, yet southern men, if they see 
a chance of his success, will say they will wait and see. 
The worst feature of things now is the familiarity with 
which the subject of a dissolution is talked about. But I 
cannot believe any one, even Yancey or Davis, would be 
rash enough to take the first step. 

If at Baltimore to-day the convention nominate Doug- 
las with unanimity, I suppose if he gets the vote of the 
united South he will be elected. But, as I apprehend 
will be the case, if the seceders again secede to Rich- 
mond, and there make a southern nomination, their 
nomination will weaken Douglas's vote so much that 
Lincoln may run in. The real race seems to be between 
Lincoln and Douglas. . . 

Now that Mr. Ewing also is out for Lincoln, and it is 
strange how closely these things are watched, it is prob- 
able I will be even more "suspect" than last year. All 
the reasoning and truth in the world would not convince 
a southern man that the Republicans are not abolition- 
ists. It is not safe to stop to discuss the question: they 
believe it, and there is the end of the controversy. . . 

Of course, I know that reason has very little influence 
in this world: prejudice governs. You and all who de- 
rive power from the people do not look for pure, unal- 
loyed truth, but to that kind of truth which jumps with 



REORGANIZATION OF THE SEMINARY 233 

the prejudice of the day. So southern politicians do the 
same. If Lincoln be elected, I don't apprehend resist- 
ance; and if he be, as Mr. Ewing says, a reasonable, 
moderate man, things may move on, and the South be- 
come gradually reconciled. But you may rest assured 
that the tone of feeling is such that Civil War and an- 
archy are very possible. . . 



VI. THE CLOSE OF THE FIRST SESSION 

Announcement of the annual examination. Braxton Bragg on Seminary 
matters. Fourth of July celebration. Plans for closing exercises. Wine on 
the professors' tables. Politics and slavery again. Beauregard's plans for his 
sons. Attempt to secure Bragg's Buena Vista battery and a supply of cadet 
muskets. Rumor that the Seminary is a godless institution. The South would 
prefer the devil to a Black Republican. Poor food at the Seminary. Sher- 
man demands control over professors and cadets. Professor Boyd placed in 
charge for the vacation. 

The correspondence of the last month of the session related 
mainly to local matters. Sherman has less to say in letters to 
relatives about politics and the negro question. Some rather im- 
portant matters relating to student discipline, the authority of 
the superintendent, and the future policy of the Supervisors were 
being discussed. The appointment of Supervisors opposed to the 
views of General Graham seemed to indicate a reversal of policy 
which might embarrass Sherman. The latter, however, insisted 
upon one thing only — that he, as superintendent be vested with 
authority over students and professors. This question was not 
settled before the close of the session. The correspondence also 
mentions preparations for the public exercises on the Fourth of 
July and at the annual examination, plans for the vacation, and 
matters relating to the Seminary finances, supplies, etc. 

In the south it was customary to close the session of a school 
or college with a formal public examination, which in its social 
features corresponded to the present day commencement. The 
following program for the Seminary examination was published 
on June 23, i860. 

ADVERTISEMENT IN THE RED RIVER AMERICAN, 
ALEXANDRIA, LA., JULY 7, i860 

Alexandria, June 23, i860. 
The annual examination of the Cadets at this institu- 
tion will take place on Monday and Tuesday, July 30th 
and 31st proximo. , 



236 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

The order of exercises each day will be as follows: 
from 8 to 1 1 a.m., examination in mathematics ; from 1 1 
a.m. to i p.m., examination in French and Spanish ; from 
3 to 5:30 p.m., examination in English and Latin. 

There will be a drill at 6:30 p.m., each day, terminat- 
ing with the usual dress parade at sundown. 

From 8 to 1 1 in the evening there will be speeches, 
declamations, and compositions. 

The meals of the cadets will be served at the usual 
hours, and one hour thereafter, viz: 2 p.m. and 7:45 
p.m. dinner and supper will be provided by the stew- 
ard for all visitors who will give him previous notice. 
The ferry boat at Alexandria will run till midnight, af- 
fording a good opportunity to all to honor us with their 
presence at the evening exercises. 

The parents, families and friends of the cadets and 
the public generally are most respectfully invited to at- 
tend. W. T. Sherman, Superintendent. 

BRAXTON BRAGG TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Lafourche, Thibodeaux, P.O., June 27, i860. 
My dear General: Since yours of April I have 
heard nothing from the Military Academy except from 
one of the cadets. Yet I have hoped you were working 
on smoothly and successfully. Much, indeed all, de- 
pends on an organization which will give a proper 
working Board of Supervisors, near the institution, and 
even then, a large discretion must be allowed your 
superintendent and Academic Board. Discipline to 
amount to anything must be firm, decisions prompt, and 
their execution immediate and irrevocable, except in 
very extraordinary cases. Hard cases arise under all 
laws, and it is better to do some injustice than to break 
down from laxity. This duty is the more difficult and 



CLOSE OF THE FIRST SESSION 237 

trying from the very loose system which prevails in our 
southern society, and which has reduced parents to a 
subordination to children. But you have a man in 
Colonel Sherman who is admirably suited to initiate 
and carry out such a system, at the same time that he will 
temper it with good sense, moderation, and the best ad- 
vice. And I venture to predict that he will secure a 
hold on the affections of his cadets which will make 
obedience easy, and the discharge of duty a pleasure. 

Not having heard the result of the election of vice- 
president, I feel anxiety for your success - for, candidly, 
I have no confidence in the capability of our friend Dr. 
Smith. That he wishes success to the institution, I do 
not doubt, but his notions are so crude, so impracticable, 
so prejudiced, and he withal so ignorant of how to carry 
them out, that failure must be the result of any power 
placed in his hands. Last winter things were forced 
through the legislature in spite of him, when in reality 
he considered himself the special champion of the cause. 

In a few days I shall visit Baton Rouge on business, 
and hope to see the governor. But I fear he is too much 
of a friend of Smith to allow me any influence. The 
only conversation I can recollect with Dr. Smith on the 
subject of a Board of Visitors, was simply to advise 
what I had already suggested to Governor Moore, the 
appointment, or invitation of some "influential gentle- 
men from different parts of the state to attend the ex- 
aminations." I neither said nor intimated anything in 
regard to myself, nor would I ever do so to any one in 
regard to any office. I have done my share of public 
duties in this life, and seek no more of them for honor 
or profit. Yet I am always ready to do my share in the 
advancement of a good cause and to fill my station as a 
good citizen. 



238 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

I regret that I shall not be able to attend your first ex- 
aminations, as I leave for the Springs soon after my visit 
to Baton Rouge. I predict that every unprejudiced 
observer will acknowledge greater progress in the same 
time, with the same means, than has ever been known in 
the state. 

If defeated in your place of administration, don't 
give up. It must succeed in the end, and no one can do 
as much as yourself for its ultimate triumph, or deserves 
so much the honor of success. Remember me kindly to 
Colonel Sherman. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

July 4, i860. 

Dear General: My supply of official paper is run- 
ning low, and I take this sheet to tell you in a private 
way that our celebration to-day passed off perfectly well. 
The march by platoons from our usual parade ground to 
the stand was handsome, arms were stacked, and cadets 
seated. I had chairs enough for all ladies of whom the 
attendance was really very fine. 

The marshal, Taliaferro (vice Spencer quit), per- 
formed his part with modesty and propriety, the Dec- 
laration was read by Cushman in a clear, manly voice, 
and the oration delivered by Cornelius gave general 
satisfaction. Boyce 53 wants it for publication. At first 
I thought best to advise adversely, but of course I knew 
the speech before it was delivered and see no impro- 
priety in its publication. I think I will prevail on Cor- 
nelius to have it published. Of course I know full well 
these are the mere ephemera of the hour, and next 
week will seem stale, but it will be an advertisement, and 
if good may spread beyond the circle of the Red River 
American. 



53 Editor of the Red River American. — Ed. 



CLOSE OF THE FIRST SESSION 239 

I will now set about for the examination. I know the 
expectations of the public are too high and you must 
wink at any little stage play. The professors must favor 
their pupils at the examination, leaving us to grade them 
honestly and strictly according to our knowledge of 
their real progress. 

As the Board has invited a public orator for the occa- 
sion, I want to know his name as soon as possible that I 
may advise with him as to his preference. Public speak- 
ers are as fickle as young ladies. They prefer sometimes 
out of doors to speak, some the length of the room, some 
across the room, etc. As to the cadets I will study to 
arrange for them to the best advantage. By a little man- 
agement to-day we have made a decided hit. I have the 
regulations nearly done, amended pretty extensively. 
If the Board want to revise them they must act, for 
if they devolve on me any duty, my rule is to do it, 
though I do it wrong. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Seminary, July 6, i860. 

Dear General : I have received your note of yester- 
day with Colonel Bragg's letter which I have read with 
great satisfaction. I had written him some ten days ago 
urging him to come up if possible at our examinations. 
I had no knowledge of course that he had been invited 
to deliver an address. I think that will tempt him. He 
writes, as you know, well and can speak his thoughts 
clearly and with emphasis, the best kind of oratory, still 
I don't think he has an ambition to be styled an orator. 

Still if he do accept I will be more than pleased. 
Though it will not be reasonable to expect too much of 
us at our first examination, yet if the professors will use 
some little discretion I have no doubt we can satisfy all. 
As you will have learned our 4th passed off well. Not a 



240 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

particle of noise, disorder, or confusion. Everyone 
played his part modestly and well. 

As our examinations will consume two whole days 
and nights and as our benches have no backs, I have 
taken the liberty to order twelve dozen chairs not to 
cost more than twelve dollars the dozen, from New Or- 
leans. I could not procure with any certainty the hide 
bottoms and have ordered wood bottoms - similar to our 
mess hall chairs, which have lasted well, not one broken 
yet. These chairs will do to sell to cadets next term. I 
am fully authorized to do this by a resolution of the 
Board, yet I should have procured your sanction first; 
but I was not convinced of the pressing necessity till I 
experienced the necessity. I will have them in time for 
the examination. 

I have never been to Bayou Robert since my first ar- 
rival and propose to-day to go down to visit Governor 
Moore, Colonel Chambers, Mr. Ransdell, General 
Bailey, etc., start this p.m. and return to-morrow. Gov- 
ernor Moore sent a fine lot of cake for the cadets and a 
basket of wine for the professors. The former was 
added to their stock and enabled them to set a nice table 
for the ladies. The wine is untouched and I hardly 
know how to dispose of it. I think it prudent we should 
exhibit as little wine as possible in our rooms or table. 
I have always paid and advised the professors to pay 
largely toward the general hospitality, and thus far we 
have done so without wines, except claret. Work on 
house, fence, road, etc., progressing fast and I hope you 
will get notice of the appropriations for houses and ap- 
paratus before examination. 

I send you Bragg's letter and would write him again 
if I thought his time would admit of his receiving my 
letter. But he will have decided before I could get my 



CLOSE OF THE FIRST SESSION 241 

letter to him. If he do not speak, some member of the 
Board [must speak]. I have official notice of twenty- 
five state cadets, none from New Orleans yet. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO MRS. SHERMAN 

Alexandria, July 10, i860. 

. . . I feel little interest in politics and certainly 
am glad to see it realized that politicians can't govern 
the country. They may agitate, but cannot control. Let 
who may be elected, the same old game will be played, 
and he will go out of office like Pierce and Buchanan 
with their former honors sunk and lost. I only wonder 
that honorable men should seek the office. 

I do not concieve that any of the parties would ma- 
terially interfere with the slavery in the states, and in 
the territories it is a mere abstraction. There is plenty 
of room in the present slave states for all the negroes, 
but the time has come when the free states may annoy 
the slave states by laws of a general declaration, but that 
they will change the relation of master and slave I don't 
believe. 

All the congresses on earth can't make the negro any- 
thing else than what he is; he must be subject to the 
white man, or he must amalgamate or be destroyed. Two 
such races cannot live in harmony save as master and 
slave. Mexico shows the result of general equality and 
amalgamation, and the Indians give a fair illustration 
of the fate of negroes if they are released from the con- 
trol of the whites. Of course no one can guess what the 
wild unbridled passions of men may do, but I don't be- 
lieve that the present excitement in politics is anything 
more than the signs of the passage of power from the 
southern politicians to northern and western politicians. 

The negro is made the hobby, but I know that north- 



242 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

era men don't care any more about the rights and hu- 
manities of the negroes than the southerners. At present 
negroes work under control of white men and the con- 
sequence is the annual yield of $200,000,000 of cotton, 
sugar, and other produce that would not be without such 
labor; and so long as that is the case, I don't fear a 
change in this respect. . . 

P. G. T. BEAUREGARD TO W. T. SHERMAN 

New Orleans, July 10, i860. 

Dear Major: ... I should like much to be 
able to accept your kind invitation to attend your ex- 
aminations but my occupations and this intolerably hot 
weather will not permit me to do so. I have no doubt 
however that the result of these examinations will do 
credit to your institution and be satisfactory to yourself 
and assistants. 

Not wishing to send money by mail and supposing 
you would, for a like reason, prefer a check, I send one 
herewith for $50 on the Bank of Louisiana, of which 
one half is for my son, less the amount due by him or for 
him and the other half for Mr. Reid's son for the pur- 
pose of bringing them home. Should young Proctor 
have need of any I will send him some, for his father and 
family have gone to the Virginia Springs for the sum- 
mer, where he is to go to meet them. 

I have just succeeded in getting off from the superin- 
tendency of West Point, where I was to have been or- 
dered this summer. The thing is delayed for one or 
two years longer. 54 

I am going to send you my youngest son Henry in 
October next to be prepared for West Point; he will 
stay with you two years nearly. I want him to do credit 
to himself and honor to your Academy. So you must 

54 Beauregard became superintendent of West Point for a short time in 1861. 

-Ed. 



CLOSE OF THE FIRST SESSION 243 

have an eye on him. He has been appointed in Rene's 
place a state cadet from the Parish of St. Bernard. 
Rene will go back as an ordinary cadet. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Louisiana State Seminary of Learning and Military 
Academy, Alexandria, July 16, i860. 

Dear Sir: ... I have had some correspond- 
ence with Cadet L — 's father, and have assured him 
that I would lay before the Board his letter, asking that 
his son be allowed to resign, instead of being reported 
"Dismissed" or "Deserted." I explained to him the dif- 
ficulty as other cadets were similarly placed and the rule 
must apply to all. It was by threatening Cadet L — 
that I obtained the constitution of the marauders, but he 
knew full well that he was in no danger of dismissal for 
the bucket affair. I suppose you have already been 
troubled too much about it. Still I enclose along with 
his letter the notes made by Mr. Boyd of the long con- 
versation that preceded L — 's going away. Of course I 
shall oppose no resolution for clemency, only the truth 
should be made "manifest." 

I also enclose you a letter received last evening from 
Colonel Bragg. I guess to secure that battery 55 we 
must get an act of Congress. I have General Grivot's 56 
promise but they forget promises sometimes and I will 
again write to him. Governor Moore said to me that he 
was satisfied we needed the muskets, and a resolution of 
the Board now will be too late, as after the resolution 
passes I will have no time to follow it up, for unless I 
can get the official requisition I should not ask Colonel 
Craig 5T to transfer to Baton Rouge the cadet muskets. 

55 Bragg's Buena Vista battery. — Ed. 

56 Adjutant-general of Louisiana. — Ed. 

57 Of the Ordinance Bureau, War Department. — Ed. 



244 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

Cadet muskets you know are scarce and I doubt if 
they are to be found except at Springfield, Mass. Now 
we will need one hundred and fifty in December or 
January next year, and that is the reason why I thought 
it best to go to Washington, to get Colonel Craig to 
transfer them south in advance. 

Bragg tells me that the rumor that I oppose religious 
observances here has found its way to his place. I am 
not surprised when Mr D — 58 himself takes upon him- 
self to advise gentlemen on steamboats not to send their 
children here, if they value religion. He told me him- 
self he had done so. Now I have strictly adhered to the 
rule we laid down, and have never denied a cadet the 
privilege and facility of going to Alexandria every Sun- 
day, although I know some of them habitually abuse it. 
But I will not argue the case with you, for I know that 
this is one of the difficulties we have to contend with in 
the future, and any rule the Board will lay down I will 
execute honestly and fearlessly. I write to Bragg more 
fully on the subject to-day. Of course all the professors 
have been told that under the old and new regulations 
they must ask of the Board of Supervisors leave of 
absence. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO THOMAS EWING JR. 

Louisiana State Seminary, Alexandria, July 22, 
i860. 
Dear Tom : . . . The fact that Congress did not 
admit Kansas must be a disappointment to you all, but 
the certainty of her giving a Republican vote was too 
much for a Democratic Congress, with the almost cer- 
tainty of the election going into the House. Down here 

58 An Episcopal clergyman who was disappointed because Doctor Vallas, 
also an Episcopal clergyman, was not allowed by the supervisors to preach 
regularly in assisting D. at Alexandria and Pineville. — Ed. 



CLOSE OF THE FIRST SESSION 245 

no one thinks of Lincoln. The struggle will be between 
Douglas and Breckenridge ; the latter will win. . . 

If Lincoln should win I don't know but that some- 
thing would turn up to my liking, but it won't do for me 
to say Lincoln down here. The devil himself would be 
a more welcome guest than a Black Republican, yet I 
have no fears myself of the election of anybody; if our 
form of government will not endure any man as presi- 
dent it is not a fit machine and should break up ; but of 
course I know that no man would now disturb property 
in slaves; as to the limitation of its sphere, that is com- 
paratively a small matter. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Louisiana State Seminary, Alexandria, July 23, 
i860. 

Dear General : Charles whom we sent for the mail 
has just returned without the mail, but had your Sunday 
letter which I have just read with great satisfaction. 
The idea of our first examination without your presence 
would have been truly the play of Hamlet without the 
Prince, but as it is I am satisfied. I had already made 
all the checks except that for Mr. St. Ange, who did not 
apply for it because I suppose I told him I wanted all 
persons to pay the Seminary their dues to the stores, 
which in his case will take a good part of his month's 
pay. I may be too severe a stickler in finance, but as I 
view the case clothing, being sold without profit, is cash 
and should not be allowed to stand on our books like a 
store account. 

I have every cadet's account made up to the cent. All 
orders are stopped and this cash balance cannot be 
changed. In actually paying Jarreau in checks I ex- 
ceeded your authority, but his bill necessarily entered 



246 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

into all the cadet's accounts, and it was important these 
accounts should thus be closed before the hurly-burly of 
the examination. In two hours of Wednesday I can pay 
every account and dismiss all hands. Whilst the exami- 
nation progresses the Board of Supervisors can pass a 
few formal resolutions. One authorizing the publica- 
tion in Alexandria or New Orleans of three hundred 
Registers. There is already a resolution authorizing 
me to compile and have printed one thousand regula- 
tions. Professor Smith at my suggestion wrote his 
uncle 59 and ascertained the cost of two thousand regula- 
tions to have been in Richmond $250. Ours is less in 
volume, and ought not to exceed for one thousand copies 
say $150, yet this expenditure had better be left blank. 
I think a more compact volume would be neater and 
more appropriate. 

I have the regulations done in manuscript and bound 
ready for the printer; would like you to examine it 
though a large task; but it must be in print next No- 
vember for it is wrong thus to hold young men to 
obedience to rules, imperfectly understood. Both Hil- 
lan and Spencer want to come back in the fall, and we 
might receive them on the ground of being "minors" 
whose acts are incomplete without the ratification of 
parents, and their parents both roundly disapproved 
their course. 

I have so written to Spencer's father, but said I could 
not commit the Board, who might prefer a more strin- 
gent rule. I want you to frame some word - less harsh 
than "deserted" or "dismissed" for such cadets, who 
have simply quit. I am at a dead loss. "Deserted" is 
all the word I know that tells the story, but it may be too 
severe for this condition of things. 

Very many of our cadets have diarrhea, owing they 

59 F. H. Smith, superintendent of Virginia Military Institute. — Ed. 



CLOSE OF THE FIRST SESSION 247 

say to fritters and molasses for supper. They complained 
so much of the melted butter, that Captain Jarreau 
agreed to give fritters and molasses. These and melons 
and fruit are causes enough. We have ordered toast and 
tea for supper, and will discourage stale fruit and mel- 
ons. I hope they will recover this week. Otherwise 
they may make a sorry appearance. I bear in mind your 
suggestion to get Dr. Smith to have a resolution passed, 
asking for the quota of [arms for] 1861. The govern- 
or's silence and that of his adjutant-general look to me 
ominous. 

I try to write plain, but it is no use. For so many 
years I have had clerks to copy my letters hastily and 
illegibly written that the habit is fixed, and I trust you 
will not think my seeming haste is an intentional tax on 
your sight and time. Where hard to read you can skip, 
with the knowledge that you lose nothing. 

The busy time of the annual examination is not described in 
the letters. The session closed on July 30-3 1 with public exami- 
nations and a ball. Professor D. F. Boyd was then placed in 
charge of the Seminary and Sherman went to his home in Lan- 
caster, Ohio, for a short visit before going to Washington and 
New York on Seminary business. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Alexandria, Aug. 2, i860. 

Dear General: I came in this morning with the 
register complete and it is now in the hands of the 
printer, with a promise that it shall be done on Satur- 
day ready for proof. I will be in again on Saturday to 
prove the sheets, when there will be no further cause for 
my delay, and therefore I will be ready to start north 
next Tuesday. 

I have had an interview with Mr. Manning and we 
have gone over the regulations together. As Colonel, of 



248 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

course I command in a military sense all commissioned 
officers and cadets of the institution; as superintendent 
also I should have equal control or command over every 
person including the professors at the institution, sub- 
ject always to the resolutions of the Board of Super- 
visors. Else I cannot be responsible. This is the only 
real point in which I find I differ with Mr. Manning, 
and this radical difference must be solved by the Board. 
Mr. M. tells me he has applied to the governor to call 
the Board together. 

I can leave the regulations to be forwarded to me at 
Lancaster and I will have them printed at Cincinnati, 
or you can have them done by Bloomfield and Steel in 
New Orleans. But the regulations must be printed by 
November i or I am done, for in every circular I have 
made, this assurance was given that a copy should be 
placed in the hands of every cadet on arrival. It was 
my intention to have furnished one hundred suits of uni- 
form clothing and all those things, like paper, blank 
books, etc., that I know will be needed next session, to 
be here Nov. i, to be paid for out of the cadets' money. 

But the Board misunderstood my purpose. I have no 
business at New York. To go there would cost me $150, 
but I feel so desirous to start next session fair and well 
supplied that I was willing to incur that expense. I 
shall enclose all the requisitions of the several professors 
for text-books, stationery, etc., with my statement of 
articles required at the outset next session, to be by you 
laid before the Board of Supervisors, that they may 
make the necessary arrangements for the purchase. I 
have been foiled in every attempt heretofore made to 
get supplies of books and clothing here or at New Or- 
leans, but the Board of Supervisors better experienced 
in such things may be more successful. 



CLOSE OF THE FIRST SESSION 249 

I beg to recall such part of my letter as refers to going 
to New York, as it would be superfluous. I will never- 
theless go to Washington and try to secure the quota of 
arms for i860. 

If you think my presence here necessary, I can delay 
my departure, and I know you fully agree with me that 
this question of supplies is far more important than is 
generally supposed. All the professors look to me to 
procure their supplies and I have so estimated that pro- 
fits just about cover the excess on hand. Cadets on ar- 
rival will need instantly near $8,000 of clothing, books, 
stationery, and bedding. None of these need be paid for 
till the cadets make their deposit, and the Seminary is 
only out the surplus - and the profits of say ten per cent 
ought to cover that. 

Still this plan was the only one I could adopt. The 
Board has never approved or disapproved and I have 
gone on controlling the purchases and issues. I think 
now the matter ought to be done formally. Resolve that 
I shall do it, or that Robertson shall fill the estimates. 
In the divided state of feeling in this country, it is best, 
that business be done formally. Those views are ex- 
pressed to you that they may be communicated to the 
Board which meets Aug. 13 by order of Governor 
Moore, as I see by the letter sent to Mr. Manning after 
I began this hurried letter. 

I shall write more from the Seminary, to-morrow, 
and will be here Saturday and Monday. I doubt if I 
should leave before the Board meets, but my young folks 
are most crazy and they are now looking for me. Still 
duty first. If you think you can manage, it might be 
well for me to be away, but I must have control over 
professors. That is the point at issue. 



250 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

W. T. SHERMAN TO D. F. BOYD 

Louisiana State Seminary, Aug. 5, i860. 

SIR: By virtue of authority vested in me by resolu- 
tion of the Board of Supervisors, I hereby delegate to 
you all the authority and power thereby conveyed to me, 
for the purpose of protecting and guarding the build- 
ings, fences, trees, grounds and property of all kinds 
and descriptions belonging in any wise to this institution. 
I beg you will enter into charge of the same and do all 
things deemed by you proper to secure the end in view. 

In the first place I hereby leave with you in checks 
and money the sum of $780.42, being my exact cash bal- 
ance this day, as per cash book already deposited with 
you. 

The merchandise book, styled journal, has an inven- 
tory of merchandise on hand. The Seminary owns a 
mule and cart, which with slave Henry, should be prof- 
itably employed in gathering firewood for the coming 
session. Two boys, Dick and Manuel, can be em- 
ployed in cutting wood when not otherwise engaged. 

This period of vacation is designed as the time for re- 
furnishing the building; as we have gone over it in per- 
son and noted down in writing the exact number of 
tables, bookcases, and clothes presses needed, and as the 
carpenters are actually employed in their manufacture, 
I think I need say nothing further than that it would be 
well to see that they keep well up to time, so that they 
will surely be able to finish all in October. 

The work under stairway should be well done. 

All the boys are paid up to Aug! 1, except Dr. Smith's 
boy, and I will leave an amount and check for him. 

I design to order merchandise from New Orleans 
and New York, but will be here myself when it arrives. 
Still should I be delayed, or should any come prema- 



CLOSE OF THE FIRST SESSION 251 

turely, store it in this large room, near the south end, 
leaving this office end clear. 

All cadets' articles of furniture should be in the 
Chemical Academy, and should be looked to occasion- 
ally, as thieves might rob them very easily. 

The fact is your own judgment will be better than 
mine in all things that may arise. All letters open - if 
private, up to Oct. 1, send me at Lancaster, O. ; if public, 
answer, and copy your answers. Though your summer 
stay here will be lonely, I hope it may be one of health 
and comparative comfort, and surely I will remember 
in the future your sacrifice to enable us to visit our 
friends and families this summer. 



VII. THE VACATION OF i860: OHIO, 
WASHINGTON, NEW YORK 

Sherman goes to Ohio, Washington, and New York. His correspondence 
with General Graham and Professor Boyd. Plans to bring family to Louisi- 
ana in October. Instructions as to work on the Seminary buildings. Politics 
in Ohio. Arms and equipment for the Seminary secured at Washington. 
National politics. The Seminary regulations are revised. Graham resigns. 
Sherman disapproves of the changes. Books and instruments ordered in New 
York. Graham criticises the conduct of Manning and Smith in Seminary 
affairs. Professor Boyd's work at the Seminary. Boyd's views of politics. 
A press notice of the Seminary. Preparations for the second session. Ship- 
ment of goods from the North. Difficulty of getting supplies to the Sem- 
inary. Shortcomings of the steward's department. Sherman explains his 
objections to the revised regulations. White laborers from the North cannot 
be obtained. Louisiana politics. Life in Ohio. End of the vacation. Sher- 
man returns to Louisiana. 

The closing exercises of the Seminary attracted wide attention 
in Louisiana and the authorities were well pleased by the favor- 
able impression created. The students were now dismissed to 
their homes, the members of the faculty scattered, and Sherman 
went north. 

In his Memoirs [vol. i, 178] Sherman gives a brief ac- 
count of his movements during the early part of his vacation pe- 
riod. 

Major Smith and I agreed to meet in New York on a 
certain day in August, to purchase books, models, etc. I 
went directly to my family in Lancaster, and after a few 
days proceeded to Washington, to endeavor to procure 
from the general government the necessary muskets and 
equipments for our cadets by the beginning of the next 
term. I was in Washington on the 17th day of August, 
and hunted up my friend Major Buell, of the adjutant- 
general's department, who was on duty with the secre- 



254 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

tary of war, Floyd. I had with me a letter of Governor 
Moore's authorizing me to act in his name. Major 
Buell took me into Floyd's room at the war department, 
to whom I explained my business, and I was agreeably 
surprised to meet with such easy success. Although the 
State of Louisiana had already drawn her full quota of 
arms, Floyd promptly promised to order my requisition 
to be filled, and I procured the necessary blanks at the 
ordnance-office, filled them with two hundred cadet 
muskets, and all equipments complete, and was assured 
that all these articles would be shipped to Louisiana in 
season for our use in the fall. These assurances were 
faithfully carried out. 

I then went on to New York, there met Major Smith 
according to appointment, and together we selected and 
purchased a good supply of uniforms, clothing, and text- 
books, as well as a fair number of books of history and 
fiction, to commence a library. When this business was 
completed, I returned to Lancaster and remained with 
my family till the time approached for me to return to 
Louisiana. 

From Ohio Sherman corresponded with General Graham and 
Professor Boyd. To them he writes in detail of his trip to the East 
to secure Seminary supplies, of the political situation in the North 
as it appears to him upon closer view, and of the striking contrast 
between North and South as to crops and general agricultural 
conditions. Boyd wrote to Sherman of conditions in Louisiana. 
Graham's memorandum gives his view of the change of policy 
which, it is evident, gives trouble to Sherman, whose authority 
is considerably curtailed by the revision made in the regulations 
after he left Louisiana. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Lancaster, Ohio, August 12, i860. 

Dear General: I left Alexandria in the stage on 

Tuesday morning, reached the wharf boat [at the 



THE VACATION OF i860 255 

mouth of Red River] that night at 1 o'clock, waited till 
4 p.m. of Wednesday, when the fine boat William M. 
Morrison came along in which we proceeded to Vicks- 
burg by Thursday at 3 p.m., when we took cars to Jack- 
son [and] Cairo, reaching Cincinnati Saturday morning 
at 7 130 o'clock. It so happened that the train connected 
with a railroad taking its departure at 7:45 from a de- 
pot west of the city, whereas the daily train of our Lan- 
caster road leaves the depot at the eastern end of the city. 
Therefore we had no time to traverse the city in time 
and I took my young charge 60 to the Burnett House. 

Then I began a series of inquiries as to the quickest 
and best mode of [reaching] my home, when I found in 
the same hotel Mrs. Ewing, the old lady and her son 
P. B. Ewing. After discussing the subject in all its 
bearing I concluded to leave Miss Whittington at the 
Burnett House, in the protection of Mrs. Ewing, to 
spend this Sunday there and come here by the morning 
quick train of Monday. Miss Whittington had been 
travelling two nights in the cars and readily consented, 
so I came up last night in the freight train arriving here 
about day-light and finding all my people well and 
hearty. They have been hanging on me all day, and I 
have had them on horseback and chasing ever since din- 
ner, and have only stolen away for a few minutes to 
write you this. 

I am amazed at the change from the pinewoods to 
this. I never saw such crops of corn, fruit, and vege- 
tables. Mr. Ewing says in his whole experience, which 
goes back to the first settlement of Ohio he has never seen 
such plenty. Orchards which had been barren for 
eight years are now loaded with fine fruit, peaches, 
grapes, melons, everything in wasteful abundance. 

60 Miss Whittington, daughter of one of the supervisors. She was on her 
way to Georgetown, D.C., to school. — Ed. 



256 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

Wheat and small grain are gathered and safe. Corn is 
as fine as possible and beyond danger of any contingency. 
Hay of all kinds will be so abundant that it must go 
away for a market. This is not only true of Ohio, but 
of all the states east of the Mississippi. May it not be 
providential? May it not be one of the facts stronger 
than blind prejudice to show the mutual dependence of 
one part of our magnificent country on the other. The 
Almighty in his wisdom has visited a vast district with 
drought but has showered abundance on another and he 
has made a natural avenue between. This is a grievous 
fact- true it may advantage one part at the expense of 
the other, but next year it may be reversed. 

I find as much diversity in sentiment here in politics 
as in the South - I shall keep aloof - only asserting that 
whoever is elected, be it the devil himself must be en- 
dured for the time being. Nobody will be rash enough 
to disturb slavery where it exists, and its extension is now 
only a theoretical not a practical question. 

In Cincinnati I found a publishing house that will 
print us one thousand copies of our regulations for $105. 
When the manuscript is revised I will send it down, and 
follow it ten days thereafter to prove. I will bring them 
along with me. 

Miss Whittington will be here to-morrow, I will take 
her to Georgetown [D.C.] on Wednesday. In Wash- 
ington I will see about arms, equipments, and munitions. 
I will then go to New York and purchase books and 
clothing on a credit payable after November - and have 
them at Red River by Oct. 15. When I will meet them. 
If the river be navigable all right -if not, such as are 
absolutely necessary must be wagoned up and the rest 
kept in store till navigation opens. 

I will not bring my family till I know that the house 



THE VACATION OF i860 257 

is done, and that Mrs. Sherman can bring with her from 
Cincinnati carpets, curtains, and furniture complete. 
Better this delay than the privation and confusion of a 
house ill supplied. It is our duty to foresee necessities 
and provide for them in advance. After my return 
from New York I will write in full what I have done. 
Mr. Ewing has just called to take me to ride and I must 
close. He is as active now as forty years ago and I 
would not be astonished if he would visit Louisiana next 
winter when my family comes down. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO D. F. BOYD 

Lancaster, O. (Monday), Aug. 13, i860. 

My DEAR FRIEND: I arrived here yesterday morn- 
ing, and found my family well. I left Miss Whitting- 
ton in Cincinnati with Mrs. Ewing to rest over Sunday 
and to come here to-day. On Wednesday I will go to 
Washington, and on Saturday to New York, and as soon 
as I make up my catalogue of books I will send it to you. 
My chief idea in going to New York is to elect some one 
person of good credit who can buy for us . . . such 
books as any of us want. My only acquaintance with 
booksellers now is of that general character that is 
formed by dropping in and buying a single or couple 
[of] volumes. This time I will come to clear distinct 
terms as to purchase, commissions, credits, etc., same 
with clothing, and same for hats, caps, and shoes. But 
your five hundred dollars of books shall be purchased 
absolutely, paid for and shipped in all September, and 
I advise you to have prepared a case of shelves. The 
textbooks must also be bought on a credit, and then they 
can remain in their own boxes till issued and sold to ca- 
dets - same of clothing, shoes, hats, etc. 

Now Red River will not be navigable by October 15, 



258 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

and I foresee trouble, but trouble only stimulates my 
endeavors. I will arrange that all purchases go to New 
Orleans; if Red River be navigable October 15, then 
these things to be shipped, if Red River be dry, then I 
will want to hire five wagons at or near the Seminary, so 
that on my arrival there I can conduct them to Snaggy 
Point, or even the Mississippi River, and haul up those 
things, such as bedding, textbooks, etc., which must be 
on hand to the hour. Therefore, if about October 1 the 
river be as now, unreliable, see Coats, or Baden the 
cooper in Pineville, or some other of that class, and tell 
them on my arrival October 15 I will want to hire five 
wagons, and for them to be prepared for an offer. 

Keep the carpenters well at the tables, bookcases, and 
wardrobes, the woodcutters to their work, and I foresee 
a plain easy beginning to our critical session. 

It is utterly impossible to conceive of a wider contrast 
than exists between the Pinewoods and where I now 
am. Since the first settlement of Ohio, there has been no 
season of such prolific yield as the present: wheat, oats, 
hay, fruit, corn, everything have been or are perfect. I 
never saw such corn fields; not a stack missing, high, 
strong and well-eared. If I could transfer the products 
of this county to Natchitoches I would prefer it to all 
the mines of California. Horses and cattle roll with fat. 
I hear this is the condition of things in all this region, 
and God grant it may be one of the many causes to teach 
men of prejudice and fanaticism of the beautiful rela- 
tion that should exist between parts of the same country. 

The same diversity of opinion in politics exists here 
as elsewhere, but Lincoln will doubtless carry this state, 
partly from the diversion caused by the nomination of 
the three adverse candidates, Douglas, Breckenridge, 
and Bell. Mr. Ewing tells me he was consulted about 
the organization of the Union Party. He advised it, but 



THE VACATION OF i860 259 

against the nomination of a candidate - intending to 
hold their strength in reserve, to be cast in favor of the 
most national of the candidates of the adverse party. He 
thinks this sentiment forced the Republicans to reject 
Seward and take Lincoln, of whom he speaks in moder- 
ately favorable terms. My brother John is in the north 
of this state, where a more violent anti-slavery feeling 
prevails, and where a moderate conservatism would be 
styled Dough-facism. Therefore he is radical. I shall 
see him this summer, but can not expect to influence him. 
Still, I know that even if Lincoln be elected, he will not 
dare do anything hostile to any section. Political ma- 
jority has passed to the North, and they are determined 
to have it. Let us hope they will not abuse it. 

I saw Roelofson in Cincinnati, and though not entire- 
ly satisfied at my not going to London he had to say that 
I had a right to be cautious of all new financial schemes. 
He will go himself to London. I hope the Board of 
Supervisors to meet at Alexandria to-day will not modi- 
fy materially my plans, but even if they do, I will exe- 
cute their plan another year, and if we find the mixed 
system too weak for success, I feel assured they will 
yield. If, however, they devise some impracticable 
scheme I will be disposed to hesitate to risk my comfort 
and reputation in a doubtful result. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO D. F. BOYD 

Washington, D.C., Sunday, Aug. 19, i860. 
Dear Mr. Boyd: I wrote you from Lancaster. I 
left there last Wednesday reached here Thursday even- 
ing deposited my charge, Miss Whittington, in the con- 
vent same day, and have been two days well employed 
here. I have a large acquaintance here, and was there- 
by enabled promptly to succeed in my undertaking of 
getting arms for our institution - orders are already is- 



2 6o SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

sued for the shipment to Alexandria of 145 cadet mus- 
kets, making with 55 on hand 200- 10 long range min- 
nie rifles, with sabre bayonets - 10 pistols for belts - 200 
cartridge boxes, bayonet scabbards, belts, etc., for 200 
cadets -10 sergeant's swords and belts, 10 musicians' 
swords and belts and a whole lot of extra springs, screws, 
etc., to keep all in repair. This will give us a good outfit 
for 210 cadets, a number as great as we can hope for 
some years to come. I did want ammunition but this is 
not allowed by law, and I may provide some at New 
York, wherewith to teach the practical use of these 
modern long range weapons. 

Of course politics here are on every tongue, but I keep 
aloof. I notice a few facts, which to me are far more 
convincing than any political platform or dogmas. All 
the public buildings here are being built in a style of 
magnificent proportions and development, which looks 
like increasing rather than diminishing the proportions 
of our country. All the hotels are cleaning and painting 
ready for the usual winter influx of politicians. There 
is no diminution in the price of property, rents, or even 
of negroes. 

You know that money is as sensitive as the mercury 
and in Europe an ugly remark of Louis Napoleon will 
affect stocks. So would any political event here, if peo- 
ple believed it -but nobody believes in a secession, 
though they talk and write of it. Lincoln's chances of 
election were very good, but two events have just tran- 
spired which to me look important. In New York the 
Bell and Douglas parties have fused - and have made a 
joint elective ticket, which can cast the vote of New 
York for Douglas or Bell, as events may make neces- 
sary. Again Seward at Boston made another of his 
characteristic speeches in which he renewed his asser- 



THE VACATION OF i860 261 

tion of the irreconcilability of slave and free labor. 
Now if Lincoln remains silent as he doubtless will, the 
moderates will accuse him of thinking as Seward does, 
whereas if he does, as he should, announce his belief that 
our government as framed is harmonious in all its parts, 
he will lose the Seward wing or faction. 

There have been magnificent crops made in all the 
Northern and Middle States and they will have in 
abundance, corn, hay, flour, bacon, and those thousand 
and one things needed at the South, and as this commer- 
cial dependence and exchange should, they no doubt 
will have a good effect, in showing the mutual depend- 
ence of all the parts of this vast and magnificent country, 
the one on the other. Whilst Lincoln loses strength in 
the way I have stated, Breckenridge has lost vastly by 
the vote of his own state, being so overwhelming against 
him, and the press is gradually settling into identifying 
him with a secession faction. Between this faction of 
the South and Lincoln of the North, Bell or Douglas if 
united as they have done in the New York may be elect- 
ed by the people and that gives us four years of peace, 
during which I trust this ugly feeling of suspicion may 
subside, a consummation devoutly to be wished. . . 

To-morrow I will commence the purchase of books 
and will fill out your list first. I will then see to cloth- 
ing and make such arrangements that in the future we 
can order as we need and have the means of payment. I 
wish you would keep me advised at Lancaster, Ohio, of 
the progress of things. In boxing up the space under 
the stairway, have a double bolted door made to fasten 
to an upright stancheon, which can be taken out -this 
will be necessary, as we must store there large boxes, 
which will require a large opening. Please also have 
the space E of the hall boxed up for a guard room. We 



262 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

will need that for storage at first. In all November we 
will have a good many stores to receive, distribute, and 
issue. Your book case you will need in October, as I 
will direct the shipment of books in September. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO D. F. BOYD 

Lancaster, Ohio, Aug. 30, i860. 

My dear Friend : I am just in receipt of your letter 
of 1 8th and Mr. Manning's enclosing the amended regu- 
lations, which I have just put up for the publisher in 
Cincinnati. I must send them off at once, and follow in 
ten days to prove them. Your experience with the reg- 
ister will show you that it is no easy task and it will take 
a slice off my visit home. One reason why I wanted 
them with me was because I was in New York a week, 
during which I could have had them printed and 
proved. Whereas now after traveling three weeks at 
heavy personal expenses, I must allow for a week at 
Cincinnati. 

Of course I submit to a decision of the Board of 
Supervisors with as good a grace as possible because 
they have a right to govern according to their judgment. 
I think they mistake in giving the Academic Board, in 
its capacity as such, the trouble, labor, etc., of a stand- 
ing court, because this in time might easily and well 
have been devolved on Assistant Professors or even ca- 
dets, to take and record testimony. Whereas now on 
every little muss the whole Academic Board must sit. 
As to limiting my power, at the same time it limits my 
responsibility, and I can let things slide and take care of 
themselves. But the truth is that these changes are made 
not for the good of the institution, but because there is 
a scramble for the honors supposed to be coming out of 
its success, and in that scramble they may lose the prize 
itself. Well I will have the regulations printed and 



THE VACATION OF i860 263 

will do what I can to enforce them, but of course my 
interest is materially lessened in its success. 

I bought your books in New York and paid five hun- 
dred dollars. I had some bought in paper and will have 
them bound in uniform style. There will be over four 
hundred volumes, and substantially cover your list. I 
made such arrangements that we can order other books 
as we need them, the price to be governed by catalogue 
and discount according to time of payment. New York 
is booming full of people, and I got away lest I should 
be tempted to run hopelessly in debt. I could have spent 
fifty thousand dollars in books easier than five hundred 
dollars. I will enclose with this a list of books bought 
for you. Smith was there and made arrangements so 
that when Red River rises he can buy his books and 
chemicals and have them sent out. 

I did the same for my books and instruments, but 
your books and all text books I ordered to be shipped by 
October 1, and if need be they must be hauled up from 
Red River mouth. I don't mind Frank's 61 running off - 
he can easily be replaced, though I do want to econo- 
mize by having the drummer as clerk, for it is physically 
impossible for me to do the writing- though it will 
have to be as large again as last year. My brother John 
will be here to make a Republican speech tomorrow 
and will spend Sunday with me. From him I shall 
learn the secrets of their party, of course they will 
carry Ohio, as the Republicans have made the question 
very narrow, strong, and no slavery for the territories. 

I could tell you a thousand little things of interest 
here but truly I have been a little troubled with the re- 
flection that I have another year of doubt and uncer- 
tainty before me. I know that you are so full of zeal to 

61 An employee at the Seminar}' Ed. 



264 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

enlarge the sphere of your duties, that you will not be 
disposed to bother yourself with the duties of others, but 
you know others are not so well disposed. 

I will surely return, but feel some scruples about my 
family, as it will involve a good deal of expense. Gra- 
ham's ceasing to be vice-president will also make it more 
difficult for me, as the Board does not act in reason to 
me. Whenever I act and any family is offended they 
effectively reverse me. They yield to any outside pres- 
sure - and yet relieve me from none of the duties of 
treasurer, clerk, quartermaster, storekeeper, and general 
drudge, for which I was not employed. This is true 
and yet Manning writes me of the great confidence they 
have in me officially and individually. They feel that 
they can use me as they choose. Maybe - excuse this 
growl - I'll write you a letter from the sunshine and rich 
fields of Ohio in a day or two. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Lancaster, Ohio, Aug. 30, i860. 

Dear General: I wrote you and Mr. Whittington 
from Washington of my entire success in procuring a 
full and ample supply of arms. Thence I went to New 
York, where Smith joined me from Norfolk and there 
I purchased clothing for next term, books for Mr. 
Boyd's library, text-books, and very little for my de- 
partment of engineering. These will not be needed for 
some time, so I confined myself to selecting instruments, 
books, etc., with prices so that I can order them, with 
a foreknowledge of cost. I left New York on Sun- 
day arrived here Tuesday and yesterday, Wednesday, 
received from Mr. Boyd the budget of regulations 
amended. 

I was in hopes that the Board would forbear another 
year, and if we had failed to realize our promises, that 



THE VACATION OF i860 265 

then the change would be applied, whilst admitting our 
entire success, they clip my wings, and make me occupy 
the unhandy position of servant to the Board of Super- 
visors, and Academic Board at the same time. I know 
well your opinion, but regret that you saw proper to 
resign the vice-presidency, because the Board will con- 
fer it on some one else, who may still further complicate 
two incompatible systems into one, and make a hotch 
potch that may not only defeat the original design, but 
bring reproach on all connected with it. 

Nevertheless I will have these regulations printed 
and will come down in October. I feel more embar- 
rassment on the score of the removal of my family. I 
shall not attempt it till I know that Red River is navi- 
gable, for I must procure furniture and supplies for the 
new house. These will cost me near two thousand dol- 
lars, a sum I cannot afford to risk at this era of my life. 

Manning's letter to me expresses great confidence in 
my administration, but you know that a simple para- 
graph of the regulations changed may initiate an im- 
practicable system 62 that no one man can enforce, and 
that sooner or later may result in my downfall. Of 
course as a prudent man I ought to look ahead as far as 
possible. I doubt if the cadets would submit to Val- 
las's government, though some native of Louisiana 
could steer the middle channel now adopted better than 
I can. Vallas has a way of hinting and insinuating 
that is peculiarly offensive, and I doubt if Smith will 
teach a class under him. If Vallas has no assistance, 
and Smith refuse to teach a class under Vallas, we will 
be at a dead lock the first day of our next session. 

62 The regulations were amended for the purpose of giving the faculty more 
independence of the superintendent as well as a voice in the control of academic 
affairs and in matters of discipline. Dr. Vallas was the principal advocate of 
this policy. — Ed. 



2,66 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

My wife and children are all well and comfortably 
placed, and I hate to move them, though Mrs. Sher- 
man having despaired of my ever living here at Lan- 
caster is willing to go south. . . 

The following memorandum or rough draft of a letter or 
speech was found among General Graham's papers after his 
death. It gives his views of the changes which Sherman mentions 
in the letters printed above. It was probably written when the 
amendments to the regulations were being considered. 

MEMORANDUM BY G. MASON GRAHAM 

[Summer of i860] 
Mr. Manning's whole course of conduct, his verbal 
profession to the contrary notwithstanding, shows a deep 
rooted hostility, embittered by personal pique, to the 
military government and character of this school. To 
the superintendent he seems to have a badly concealed 
personal, sectional, political antipathy. I have tried 
to shut my eyes to this, and to think differently, but the 
conviction is irresistible. The sneering tone and manner 
in which he said to me last winter, when I submitted to 
his inspection my draft of an act for the organization 
and government of the Seminary as a State Military 
Academy, "he is to be a Colonel, is he!" was alone 
enough to satisfy me of this, without the one thousand 
other evidences that he has given. 

How inconsistent with the dignity, gravity, caution, 
and circumspection which should surround him in his 
character, as a member of the Board of Supervisors, is 
his boasting declaration in the Board, that he had ad- 
vised Dr. Vallas orally, and in writing, to disobey an 
order of the superintendent, thus striking at the very 
roots of all government, of any kind whatever, in the 
institution ! And then telling us that he had that morn- 
ing insulted Dr. Vallas for not following his advice. 



THE VACATION OF i860 267 

His added remark that now that he had found he was 
wrong he must apologize to Dr. Vallas is no palliation 
for so total a want of every attribute becoming a mem- 
ber of the Board of Supervisors. His declaration that 
he was ignorant of the existence of the regulation under 
which the superintendent issued the order to the pro- 
fessors which he advised Dr. Vallas to disobey, is no 
palliation. 

It is his duty to know the regulations. He had the 
regulations in his possession for more than a month last 
winter, when he took advantage of my courtesy and con- 
fidence in placing them in his hands for his perusal, and 
refused to deliver them up when I wrote to the super- 
intendent to call on him for them for the purpose of 
taking them with him to New Orleans . . . to have 
printed ready for the use of the school on 1st January 
last. 

So far from apologizing to Dr. Vallas, as he had 
said in the Board he should have to do for speaking to 
him so insultingly as he said he had done in the fore- 
noon, I am informed by gentlemen who were on the 
outside of the hall, that on the night of 31st July that he 
spoke to both Dr. Vallas and the superintendent in re- 
gard to matters pending before the Board in a most im- 
perious and dictorial tone and manner, amounting in 
the whole to a prohibition to them to take any further 
step in regard to those matters in opposition to his wish, 
although all that they had done was simply in compli- 
ance with instructions to them from the Board of Super- 
visors. But as Mr. Manning was not present at the ses- 
sion of the Board at which these instructions had been 
given they had not received the imprimatur of his sic 
volo, sic jubeo. 

As to Mr. Manning not understanding the impro- 



268 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

priety of his course towards Dr. Vallas until after he 
was in the session of the Board on Tuesday afternoon, he 
was first met on his arrival there on Monday forenoon 
by another professor to whom he expressed his surprise 
at seeing him in his uniform. That professor explained 
to him the authority of the superintendent for issuing 
the order to the professors to wear their uniform at the 
examination, and the propriety of their doing so. Mr. 
Manning and myself had had a similar conversation at 
his office several days before. So that he understood 
the whole thing [before] he met Dr. Vallas, and before 
he came into the session of the Board on either Monday 
or Tuesday afternoons - and it all only strengthens my 
conviction that the whole thing was only intended as a 
lever with which to impair the authority, influence, and 
usefulness of the superintendent with a view to produc- 
ing as soon as possible a dissolution of his connection 
with the institution, and the overturning of its practical, 
utilitarian, and military character, and establishing on 
its ruins a high sounding program for a grand university 
of empty halls, for that programme requires a larger 
acquaintance with Latin and Greek before a young man 
can enter it, than the most of our southwestern young 
men have acquired when they leave college. 

Dr. Smith has never concealed his opposition to the 
military character of this institution, but only relaxed 
it under the influence of a conviction of its popularity. 
He has said openly "it will break down in a year or two, 
and then we'll take hold of it and make something out 
of it." The fullest meeting of the Board that we have 
ever had has after ample discussion, declared with only 
two dissenting voices that this shall be "a Literary and 
Scientific Institution under a Military System of Gov- 
ernment on a Programme and plan similar to that of the 



THE VACATION OF i860 269 

Virginia Military Institute at Lexington." The people 
of the state have sanctioned, and the legislature has rati- 
fied it. 

Doctor Smith and Mr. Manning have both admitted 
to me that they believed it was the popular idea. Is it 
right in them then - shall they be permitted to continue 
to pursue this step-father course towards this institution 
of undermining it in this stealthy manner by giving it 
every side blow that their position enables them to inflict 
on it? For I warn gentlemen now, who desire to main- 
tain the present character of the school, but yet who may 
be carried away by other considerations to vote for these 
measures, that that will be the inevitable result of them. 
Let them not then say hereafter that they would not 
have voted for them if they had thought that such would 
be the result. I tell them now that these are but the 
entering wedge, blow after blow on which will be struck, 
until the present superintendent of the institution is 
driven from it, the friends of its present form of govern- 
ment around this Board either entirely withdrawn, un- 
der the influence of that power behind the throne which 
is so manifestly anxious to have itself considered greater 
than the throne itself, or else reduced to so helpless a 
minority as to form no obstacle to the designs of its step- 
fathers on this institution. . . 

But I have too much confidence in the present govern- 
or of the state not to hope and believe that he will not 
countenance any measures calculated to frustrate the 
wish of the people, or to impair the usefulness to them 
of this institution. I claim as much right to speak to 
and of the present governor as any other man in the 
state - all my interests are in it - my manhood's life has 
been spent here, my children are born here -what of 
property I possess has been acquired here. On another, 



270 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

but in my estimation inferior, score I claim to stand in 
that respect on a footing of perfect equality with any 
other citizen of the state. I voted to place him in his 
present position, and I recommended every other man 
that I could to do the same thing. I have known him 
longer, with one exception, than any other member of 
this Board - for thirty-one years I have watched his 
course with kindly interest, and there is no man in the 
state who feels less unpleasantly than I do at the success 
and prosperity with which a kind providence has re- 
warded the exertion of his energies. I repeat then that 
I have too much confidence in the present governor to 
believe that what I am satisfied are the misguided de- 
signs of Dr. Smith and Mr. Manning in regard to this 
institution, will meet with his approbation, and I trust 
that the members of this Board will not suffer them- 
selves to be influenced by any outside considerations to 
vote for measures of so fatal a tendency to the success 
and the usefulness of this institution. . . 

Professor Boyd who was left in charge of the Seminary dur- 
ing the vacation made frequent reports to Sherman. The fol- 
lowing letter is selected as typical. 

Louisiana State Seminary of Learning and Military 
Academy, Alexandria, Aug. 30, i860. 
Sir: . . . Altho' nothing new has transpired 
here, still I had better drop you a line to say that every- 
thing is going on well. Floyd has nearly finished the 
tables, and I think there is no doubt of his making, in 
proper time, all the shelves or presses, and also fixing 
the stairway. He has worked faithfully since you left. 
I will see, too, that Mills fixes the partitions. He is 
now busily at work at the professors' houses, and though 
he seems a little behindhand with them, he can still com- 



THE VACATION OF i860 271 

plete them in time. You know that carpenters have had 
a poor chance to get lumber this summer, as the drought 
and scarcity of water have stopped what St. Ange calls 
the sewing machines. 

I have kept the negro boys constantly getting wood, 
within your Seminary enclosure. A good deal has been 
cut and hauled, but the timber is so heavy that you can 
scarcely miss it. I have perhaps had cut down more of 
the pine trees than you wished, and I believe it would 
be well to cut them all down at once. In the winter we 
occasionally have some terrific blows, and when once a 
pine forest has been thinned out, it is so easy for those 
left standing to come down. Ledoux and Poussin of- 
fer to hire a boy apiece. What say you? I think they 
might be profitably employed. 

Cooper has not yet put up the chimneys, as you direct- 
ed, but he makes such a fair promise that they will be 
fixed soon, that I am inclined to wait with him a little 
longer. Have no fears about them, for either he shall 
fix them or they shall be run up with sheet iron. 

I have bargained with a carpenter to put up my book- 
case, and it shall be ready. By the way, we have com- 
menced begging for books, maps, etc., for a library. 
Can't you do something in Ohio? How do you think 
it would do to have a circular letter printed and sent 
over the state, calling on the public to send us all books 
and specimens of minerals and fossils that they can 
spare? If you write a short letter to that effect in your 
capacity as superintendent, I think I could get it printed 
in Alexandria free of charge, and it might meet with 
much success. 

Politics is beginning to wax pretty warm. Bell's 
prospects are brightening fast, and there is no doubt of 
his carrying this state. My own impression is (and I 



272 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

am sorry to say it) , that Breckenridge will carry but one 
Southern State, and that is South Carolina. Nor would 
he carry that state if the vote were submitted to the peo- 
ple. Bell's party is very strong all over the South, and 
even Douglas has many more supporters than the blind 
advocates of Breckenridge can see. Whilst I deprecate 
the unfortunate split at Charleston and Baltimore, and 
think the territorial question entirely illtimed, still as 
the issue has been thrust upon us, and I believe Breck- 
enridge's views to be correct although they may never 
meet with a practical application, I shall vote for him. 
If we who approve his views fail to support him, then 
the people of the North would say that the South disap- 
proves those views, when really a large majority of us 
think it hard that there should be any law which either 
expressly or impliedly denies us equal rights with our 
northern brethren to the common property of the whole 
union. We don't wish to appear on the statute books as 
inferiors. 

I am beginning to think that Lincoln will not be elect- 
ed. If he should be, there is no telling what trouble we 
may have. I do not believe any state will formally 
secede, but disunion might be brought about in many 
ways. In many places in the South, whoever accepts or 
hold office under Lincoln will be lynched. He (Lin- 
coln) will of course attempt to enforce the laws; that 
attempt will be resisted, and once the strife is begun 
God only knows where it will stop. What is the use 
of that Republican Party? As you say, slavery will 
always go where it pays, in spite of Sewardism, and it 
will never go where it does not pay, in spite of Yancey- 
ism. Let the law of nature say you shall not take your 
slave here or there, but let not a clause of the Consti- 
tution, or an enactment of Congress, say it. It then 



THE VACATION OF i860 273 

becomes a threat hurled by one section at the other, and 
threats ill-become the people of a union. But whatever 
be the result of the election, let us hope there will be no 
disunion. Rather, like Governor Wise, radical as he is, 
let us settle our troubles in the union and not out of it. 

The burning of the towns in Texas has produced much 
excitement here, and a negro was arrested near Nacog- 
doches, Tex., who said that among other towns to be 
burnt soon was Alexandria, La. ; consequently a guard 
is stationed to watch for the coming incendiary, and no 
doubt Bootjack (Biossat) and Co. 63 will be much disap- 
pointed if he doesn't make his appearance. . . 

I have received several letters making applications 
for admission of cadets, and others asking for informa- 
tion. General Graham's unfortunate publication last 
fall - that only five could be admitted from each sena- 
torial district - is still injuring us ; and we have no money 
with which to advertise, I begged Boyce to publish in 
his paper next Monday an article enlightening the pub- 
lic on that point, muskets, etc., with the request that all 
the city and parish papers publish it, and he promised 
to do his part. . . 

[P.S.] The crops here are almost a total failure. 
Very little corn and sugar, and only about one-third the 
usual crops of cotton will be raised. Suppose there is 
disunion, will they keep all the corn north of Mason's 
and Dixon's fence? . . . Don't think of the river 
being in boating order in October. I will see to the 
wagons. 

From the Alexandria [La.] Constitutional, September, i860, 
the following notice is taken. It was written by General 
Graham who prepared most of the press notices of the Seminary. 

We are informed that Col. Sherman has succeeded 

63 Editors of local newspapers. — Ed. 



274 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

in procuring at Washington a large number of minnie 
rifle-muskets made especially for the use of cadets, to- 
gether with other arms and accoutrements, so that he can 
now fully equip a corps of two hundred and fifty cadets. 

That looks like getting the sons of Louisiana ready for 
any emergency of Civil War or servile insurrection that 
may arise; the thanks of the people of the state are due 
Colonel Sherman for his promptness and efficiency, not 
only in this important matter, but in everything that 
pertains to the good of the Seminary. 

We also learn that steps are being made to secure 
Bragg's famous "Buena Vista Battery," which gave the 
Mexicans "a little more grape," and the presidency to 
General Taylor. Colonel Bragg generously offers to 
purchase it for the Seminary if the authorities at 
Washington can be induced to part with it. 64 

While speaking of the Seminary, we should correct 
a wrong impression in regard to the admission of cadets 
for next session. It is generally believed that no one can 
be admitted who has not obtained, before the beginning 
of a session, a special appointment from the superintend- 
ent; this is not so. The session commences the first of 
November, and anyone between fifteen and twenty-one 
years of age, with a knowledge of the primary English 
branches, who presents himself in person at the Semi- 
nary may be received as a cadet. . . 

We will also warn the public not to judge of the course 
of study by that of any other military institution, where 
very little attention is paid to literary studies. The 
Board of Supervisors of the Seminary being firmly of 
the opinion that a thorough study of language is the one 
of the best means of mental discipline and development, 
has determined that every facility shall be given for lit- 

84 The battery was not obtained. — Ed. 



THE VACATION OF i860 275 

erary culture. Hence there will be taught a very ex- 
tensive course of ancient and modern languages. . . 

The regulations as revised by the Board of Supervisors were 
sent to Sherman who had them printed in Cincinnati. The sup- 
plies purchased in the East were sent by water to New Orleans 
for transportation shipment up the Mississippi and Red Rivers. 
The correspondence of September and October relates mainly to 
the preparations being made for the approaching opening of the 
second session. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO D. F. BOYD 

Lancaster, O., Sept. 7, i860. 

Dear Boyd : I am still here, but already a little tired 
at "nothing to do" and therefore for want of better em- 
ployment I begin to imagine all sorts of troubles to be 
encountered and overcome the coming year. I will en- 
deavor to meet the books and clothing in New Orleans, 
and if the river be navigable, all right; if not, I will 
bring them up to Snaggy Point, or even the mouth, and 
then arrange to haul. The bedding will be bulky, books 
heavy, and clothing so so, and if all reach New Orleans 
when I calculate we can make good load. 

The regulations are in the hands of the publishers in 
Cincinnati and instead of pitching in, they, of course, 
write back for some minor instructions about eight dol- 
lars and twelve dollars. The result will be I must go 
down and stay there during the printing. 

I have heard a good deal of political speaking, and the 
conclusion at which I have arrived is that whoever is 
elected will be installed and forthwith will be renewed 
the war of secession. The nigger is a blind, and though 
all the politicians pretend to believe in a crisis, they 
know it is all humbug. 

I was over yesterday to see Blondin walk his rope in 
a neighboring village. There was an immense crowd 



276 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

and Blondin walked his rope, eight hundred feet from 
steeple to steeple, right over the housetops and streets. 
At Cincinnati or Orleans I will try and get a succes- 
sor to Frank but I suppose we had best train some 
darkey, because boys are restless and overestimate their 
importance. I could get a host of them here, but if acci- 
dent befall them as was the case with some I took to New 
Orleans in 1853, tne parents [would] have a feeling 
against me. 

F. W. SMITH TO D. F. BOYD 

Norfolk, September 9, i860. 

My DEAR BOYD : Your letter was received today and 
though much of its news has been anticipated by ad- 
vices from Sherman . . . I think if I did not intend 
giving myself the pleasure of a charming drive this af- 
ternoon, with a still more charming young lady, I would, 
for want of nothing else to do, work myself up into a 
muss. But that would rumple my shirt collar, so I will 
even answer you very coolly, viz : 

Your kind proposition about assisting Vallas your- 
self, I cannot allow myself to entertain for one moment. 
In the first place, you would transfer part of your class 
to me and thus break that unity of mode of instruction 
so necessary to those in the same class. And really too 
I am but little prepared to conduct any but your lower 
classes. Indeed I thank you very much and appreciate 
the disinterested kindness of your offer ; but I think your 
other idea far preferable. I would therefore pre- 
fer . . . that, if the Board deem that the finances 
of the institution do not justify the employment of an 
assistant to Vallas, and if they deem it right that I should 
take some class or other, that they will, for the coming 
session, attach to my chair the "Branch of Natural Phi- 
losophy." This branch will be confined to those of last 



THE VACATION OF i860 277 

year's class who will be passed to the third class of '60- 
'61. This will give me, in connection with my duties 
as commandant and a barely possible chance of a small 
chemistry class, fully my share of work. If further 
assistance is still needed, I will take any class, which the 
Academic Board may see fit to give me. I will not 
specify what that class may be. The Academic Board, 
as fixee of the course of study, should best determine. 
Please do not let General Graham make this proposition 
to the Board as coming from me; he may state, if he 
pleases my concurrence in it. My reason for not offer- 
ing any assistance is simply this : I have no official right 
to know that my services will be needed, as at the time 
I left the Seminary, it had been decided that two assist- 
ants should be appointed, the only question being as to 
their mode of appointment. Our weather cock board 
has changed all this since I left, and I do not choose to 
let my services or my offer of such follow their vagaries. 
General Graham and yourself both know my willing- 
ness to assist the Seminary in any proper way. I have 
assisted Vallas, I would cheerfully and willingly assist 
you, I have helped Sherman. I even offered to help St. 
Ange until he informed me that he was Professor of 
Tongues. . . I am only repeating my willingness to 
do what I can, though I do not profess to say that I 
prefer doing that to confining myself to my own depart- 
ment. You can let General G. see this letter, and he 
may do what he thinks best. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO D. F. BOYD 

Lancaster, Ohio, Sept. 16, i860. 

My DEAR Friend: I came up from Cincinnati last 

evening, whither I had gone to prove the sheets of our 

regulations of which I will have one thousand copies 

fifty of which with a blank leaf at the end of each arti- 



278 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

cle, so that amendments may be made and noted as they 
arise. I will not have them bound but covered with 
stiff paper. I doubt if I can send any till about the ist 
of October when or soon after I will have all boxed 
and shipped from Cincinnati to New Orleans, where 
about October 15 I will meet them and our other stores. 

By the way on my arrival last night I found your let- 
ter of September 3, which put me in possession of a cor- 
rect knowledge of the status of things on that day, ena- 
bling me to prepare: the bedding, 80 mattresses, cases, 
etc., 500 volumes of books, 1000 of text-books, arms, ac- 
coutrements, etc., about 8 boxes of 150 lbs. each, etc., will 
have to be transported up before November 1. The 
clothing can follow. If Red River be dead low as you 
say and on my arrival at New Orleans my information 
confirm it, I will write you to hire from four to five 
wagons under one leader if possible, to meet me at the 
mouth [of Red River] on a certain day say about the 
20th, with my horse all saddled, when I can load the 
wagons and conduct them to the Seminary. See Coats 
and agree on a price per hundred pounds, but don't close 
a bargain till the last moment. Baden who has the 
crapshop in Pineville has a fine team and wagon, the 
very thing for a load of mattresses. 

We have hit on an unfavorable year - low river, un- 
defined powers, unfortunate political crisis, unlimited 
expectations on the part of the community, but all these 
must only stimulate us to more strenuous exertions. I 
know this year will decide our fate, another the fate of 
the institution confided to us, and I will give it all my 
best energies and experiences, but I confess the combin- 
ation of ill influences are calculated to damp my ardor. 

I cannot take my family from their present comfort- 
able and bounteously supplied home, for those desolate 



THE VACATION OF i860 279 

pine woods, but I will try and cause the coming session 
to pass off as smoothly and harmoniously as the past, 
which can only be done by making the studies and duties 
flow in an uninterrupted current, from the first to the 
last day of the session. 

J. has not the requisite energy and I fear he will be so 
cramped with debt as to impair what little efficiency he 
does possess. His department is all important, but as I 
regard it, he is independent of me. Pie is steward by 
lawful appointment. I am only as superintendent or 
kind of supervisor. "Supervision" is the word, and if 
any failure occur in his department, I shall claim to be 
absolved from all responsibility. By a personal intro- 
duction to my personal friend in New Orleans, I gave 
him credit, which I fear he has abused, and it shall not 
occur again. I cannot incur personal liability in that 
manner again. 

I think the three boys can get out enough wood for the 
winter and if the fallen timber encumber the ground too 
much we can make heaps or burn it up, so as to be ready 
next spring for embellishment. I will try to have one 
or two white boys for drummer and fifer who can clean 
the section rooms, tend the lamps, and do some writing. 
I have not got them yet but will try at Cincinnati and 
New Orleans on my way down. I could get them here, 
but I feel a delicacy in taking white men from here lest 
they should excite undue suspicion. 

I admit I am uneasy about political causes or rather 
local prejudices. Reason can be combated, but suspicion 
cannot. Here I must resist the opinion that the South 
is aggressive, that they have made compacts of compro- 
mise of 1 82 1 and 1850 which are broken and slavery 
made national instead of local - in the South that the 
North are aggressive endangering southern safety and 



2 8o SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

prosperity, both factions argue their sides with warmth 
and an array of facts, that is hard to answer and I must 
content myself with awaiting the result. 

I send you a speech made by my brother John in 
Philadelphia a few days ago. I heard him here and 
had much talk with him, and he told me he should pre- 
pare his speech for Philadelphia with care and stand by 
it. Therefore this speech is the Republican view of this 
section of the Confederacy. 

An unexampled prosperity now prevails here and it is 
a pity that so much division pervades the Democratic 
Party, as it enables the Republicans to succeed. Even 
Bennett's Herald admits the probability of Lincoln's 
success. But I would prefer Bell to succeed because it 
would give us four years truce, but I fear it is not to be. 
But I am equally convinced that Lincoln's success would 
be attended with no violence. He is a man of nerve, and 
is connected by marriage and friendship with the Pres- 
tons of Kentucky and Virginia, and I have no doubt he 
will administer the government with moderation. No 
practical question can arise, whereby men of the South 
would be declared on the statute book as unequal to their 
northern brethren. There is now abundant slave terri- 
tory and we have no other land fit for it, but Texas, and 
that is all slave territory by treaty. 

If we go to Civil War for a mere theory, we deserve 
a monarch and that would be the final result, for you 
know perfectly well the South is no more a unit on that 
question than the North - Kentucky and Carolina have 
no sympathy. I heard Leslie Combs speak at Circleville 
a few days ago, and his language would have been Re- 
publicanism in Carolina. He has been elected clerk by 
twenty-three thousand majority in Kentucky. 

In Ohio here we have all sorts of political parties and 
clubs, but it is admitted that it will vote the Republican 



THE VACATION OF i860 281 

ticket. My brother has no opposition at all in his dis- 
trict, and is therefore helping others in Pennsylvania 
and New Jersey. He resides at Mansfield, seventy-five 
miles north of this. I will go up to visit him and my 
sister in about ten days ; but as to modifying his opinions 
further I cannot expect it. 

I wanted him to repudiate openly the "irrepressible 
conflict" doctrine - but he has not done so, though he 
made a left handed wipe at Seward and Giddings as ex- 
tremists. These men represent the radicals of that party 
but John laughs at me when I tell him in the nature of 
things that class of men will get control of his party. He 
contends that they - the Republicans - are the old Whig 
Party, revived solely by the unwise repeal of the Mis- 
souri Compromise. Of course you and I are outside ob- 
servers of political events, and can influence the result 
but little, but this is no reason why we should not feel a 
deep and lively interest in the development of a result 
that for better or worse must interest us all. 

At Cincinnati I attended the U.S. Agricultural Fair. 
Joe Lane was there and I esteem him a humbug, from 
his Mexican War reputation; other notorieties were 
there, among which fat hogs, calves, pumpkins, apples, 
etc., competed for prizes, and I think on a fair unbiased 
opinion the pumpkins were entitled to the first premium 
over vain conceited men. 

I wish however we had Cincinnati near us at the 
Seminary. We should not then be troubled to get pro- 
visions, books, or furniture. If Red River were navi- 
gable, and I would find a boat for Alexandria or Shreve- 
port direct, which often occurs in season, I would buy a 
full outfit of everything for my house at a blow. As it 
is I now must wait, as transportation by wagon must be 
out of all reason. 



282 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

Think of corn fifteen to twenty-five cents a bushel, 
hay at two dollars and fifty cents a ton, etc. Beautiful 
horses from one hundred and twenty-five to two hun- 
dred dollars. Though no gourmand I will turn with 
regret from the apples, pears, vegetables, meats, and 
luxuries of Ohio to the poor bread and poor meat of the 
pine woods. It does seem to me our lot is cast in the re- 
motest parts of the present civilized world. Your letter 
is two weeks old - by twelve each day I get the Cincin- 
nati papers here, published one hundred and twenty-five 
miles away, and containing news from all the world. 
Even John Sherman's speech was telegraphed entire. 

Tell Mills I shall not bring my family and he may 
finish Vallas' house first. Whitewashing the fence is 
not necessary till next spring. Gates should be done at 
once - same of chimneys, spring cleaned out well - cis- 
tern full of water and pump in good order. Am glad 
Floyd progresses with tables, etc., let tables, presses, and 
shelves be distributed to the rooms, shovel and tongs and 
andirons to each room. Try a black board as an experi- 
ment on the wall of your recitation room, where in case 
of failure it can be covered by a map. Have the spaces 
to right and left of hall partitioned off so as to be used 
for storage - Vallas' next his section room and the other 
for storage, afterward a guard room. 

I know and appreciate your loneliness, and hope at 
some future time to have it in my power to signalize my 
appreciation of your sacrifice by some act of favor. 
Have heard from Smith lately at Norfolk, but not a 
word of the Doctor [Clarke]. . . Send me some 
money if you can as I will be hard up - must pay one 
hundred and ten dollars of my own money for the 
regulations. . . 



THE VACATION OF i860 283 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Lancaster, Ohio, Sept. 20, i860. 

Dear General: . . . I did regret and do still 
regret that under the circumstances you thought it your 
duty to your own feelings to vacate the position of vice- 
president and I will further venture the expression of 
my earnest hope that you will do nothing to show the 
public that you have lost confidence in the government 
of the Seminary. Your acts and your power have never 
been contravened, but I admit that at the last session the 
opponents to the military feature of our institution made 
a home thrust, more at my power than anything else. 
You know that many of my acts have been virtually re- 
versed and now I am made to fill an office requiring me 
to carry out the resolves of the Board of Supervisors and 
of an Academic Board. 

I certainly do not covet power, but if the public and 
my friends look to me personally to do certain things, 
they will misjudge me when my acts must be a zigzag 
course between the indefinite opinions of two delibera- 
tive bodies. Were you vice-president, I would still [act 
on my own responsibility] whenever occasion arose, but 
it may be different in case a less reliable occupies that 
vacant place. The Board of Supervisors mistake much 
in supposing that cadets will be safer under the Academ- 
ic Board than under a Board ordered by me, whose acts 
I could revise, restrain, and even veto. The more I re- 
flect the more convinced am I that the Academic Board 
should not be trusted exclusively with the enforcement 
of discipline, but it is now done and the next session 
must pass under the new system, and I must needs try 
the experiment, only I want it to be universally known 
that I will not compromise my military reputation by a 



284 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

seeming assent to a system of government that has ever 
failed, and must fail in this instance. 

I wish to be distinctly understood as not complaining 
at the personal application of reducing my power to a 
mere "supervisory" power -a right to complain to the 
Board of Supervisors - instead of what ought to be a 
right to control. If the cadets find out that my wings 
are clipped won't they make it rather uncomfortable to 
me? Still I have had little experience in these matters 
and may be mistaken, and will try another session. I 
will leave my family where they are and come to Alex- 
andria by way of New Orleans. . . 

I feel uneasy about Jarreau. Still as my power is now 
merely "supervisory," if he utterly fail in his contract I 
am in no wise responsible. I never mentioned to you 
that last November I introduced Jarreau to my friends 
Kennett and Co. of New Orleans, enjoining the latter in 
all cases to supply good articles of groceries. Jarreau 
bought of them to the extent of some $ i ,300 without pay- 
ing one cent. They wrote to me and at my instance he 
sent down one of his monthly payments of $800, leaving 
still $500 due. I feel that Kennett looks to me for that 
and I don't know but I am liable. Jarreau is too careless 
about such things and it may be said too that I was too 
careless in incurring such a liability, after my recent 
business experience. 

I have several letters from Mr. Boyd, giving me rea- 
sonable assurance that the items of work devised for the 
summer will be substantially done. Frank's desertion 
did not much surprise me -you mistake in saying my 
"favorite Frank." I got out of him all sorts of work for 
which we could not afford to employ help -clerical or 
other- he never had charge of anything subject to lar- 
ceny, except may be some blankets and I could readily 



THE VACATION OF i860 285 

have detected that. I employed Wright. In my ab- 
sence Smith discharged him and Frank fell in because 
no body else was at hand and as the boy was willing we 
used him for "all work." I think if he has stolen noth- 
ing more than Mr. Boyd reports his account is not much 
over. When I left he had $3 due him and had in his 
room (paid for) some $20 of merchandise. 

I could get hundreds of intelligent young men here 
who would go with me for moderate wages ; but a drum- 
mer or clerk, the only posts I ought to fill, must from 
the necessity of the case be subject to the command of 
others, who would order them about in a style and man- 
ner to which Ohio boys are not used to, and the result 
would be "off." So I discourage all who apply. One 
young fellow - a good musician but neither drummer or 
bugler, says, he is going south anyways, but he must go 
at his own cost and risk. Smith at my suggestion ap- 
plied at Old Point Comfort to my personal friend Cap- 
tain Ord who says he can supply us. Smith writes about 
road expenses, and wages and I feel a little doubtful 
now, whether I have a right to make a bargain without 
the ratification of the Board. There is a resolution to 
"furnish" the building and to provide in advance the 
stores, but nothing about drummer and fifer. An army 
drummer and fifer would suit us better than boys picked 
up as we picked up Wright and Frank. Still I can not 
afford pecuniarily to run the risk of these private bar- 
gains of hire. Still I think I will write to Smith that if 
Ord will recommend a drummer and fifer, both willing 
to work either as clerks, storekeepers, and sweepers of 
halls, lighters of lamps, etc., that I will agree to em- 
ploy - expenses up from New Orleans to be paid by 
Seminary, to New Orleans by himself and myself joint- 
ly until the Board ratify. The family recommended to 



286 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

you by Captain Maynadier were of too delicate health 
to suit the present period of our establishment. All 
must work in some sphere or other. 

Mr. Boyd says that the drought prevented the deliv- 
ery of lumber, so that the roofs are not yet on - still even 
if done I would not bring my family now. I have writ- 
ten to finish Mr. Vallas' house first. 

To a mere looker on the political game of our country 
is funny. In the South you are struggling between Bell 
and Breckenridge. Here their names are hardly men- 
tioned, and the orators are noisy only for Douglas and 
Lincoln. Political majority has passed to the North 
and power must follow. Sooner or later the North will 
control, and the only question in my mind is, will she 
abuse it? Nobody now can say she will or she will not. 
I know some Southrons say they won't await the chance. 
I think they will and should. Even the wide-awake 
Republicans here say they don't mean interference with 
slavery. They opposed the repeal of Missouri Compro- 
mise and the events connected with Kansas, but of course 
I don't look to word for meaning. I am satisfied no 
president in power will weaken the country over which 
he presides. 

Of course I keep aloof from all political cliques and 
knots, and only express an opinion occasionally to the 
effect, that there are many men of action and ability at 
the South, who will act with prudence and decision 
when the time comes, but that danger does exist from 
the growing suspicion and distrust, between the two gen- 
eral sections of one country. My wife and family are 
well. Mrs. S. begs that I will thank you for your re- 
peated offers of hospitality - but she ought not to budge 
from here till she can move straight into a house of her 
own. . . 



THE VACATION OF i860 287 

D. F. BOYD TO W. T. SHERMAN 

September 27, i860. 

. . . I am much obliged to you for the copy of 
your brother's speech. It is an able production and 
marks him, as he had already proved himself to be, a 
deep thinker and a strong reasoner. I regret very much 
that he is on the wrong side - his premises I do not grant 
him. I believe he designs no other injustice to the South 
than to keep slaves out of the territories, and since the 
Supreme Court says that under the Constitution they 
can be carried there, the mere agitation of that matter, 
f ree-soilism (not abolitionism) , is not sufficient cause for 
the South to attempt to break up the Union; but I am 
afraid Seward and many others will never rest till they 
attempt the abolition of slavery in the states, and when 
that comes, then "let the Union slide" (according to 
Governor Banks). 

As long as Seward is the acknowledged leader of the 
Republicans, has not the South reason to fear that the 
abolition of slavery in the Territories is but the entering 
wedge to overthrow it in the States? I think, and hope, 
that your brother will yet openly renounce Seward's 
"irrepressible conflict" doctrine. But I must say, I like 
to read Seward's speeches. I have learned more politics 
of him lately than from all the rest of the politicians put 
together. However false his position, he talks more like 
a philosopher than any of them. There is nothing of the 
humbug about him; he is honest in his views, and for 
that very reason, he is the more dangerous enemy, first 
to the South, and finally to the whole Union. 

However unpleasant it is to be separated so much 
from your family, I think you have acted wisely in not 
bringing them down to Louisiana. If you could see the 
Pinewoods now, after they have been burnt so bare that 



288 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

there is hardly a sprig of vegetation to be seen, you could 
not help exclaiming, What a picture of starvation ! And 
it is reported that some poor devils are actually starving 
in Natchitoches; but I suppose they are of the "rosin 
heel" tribe, and are really too lazy to live. . . 

Bell will certainly carry Louisiana. Poor Breck! I 
am afraid he will only carry S. S. Prentiss's "Harry 
Percy of the Union," South Carolina, and, maybe, he 
is not ultra enough for the Fire-eaters. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO D. F. BOYD 

Lancaster, Ohio, Sept. 30, i860. 

My dear Friend: ... I am much obliged to 
your letters which have kept me easy. Time now begins 
to approach the season of action, and I see no better 
cause for me to pursue that what I have heretofore des- 
ignated. . . By the way all the books, text and li- 
brary, are already en route to Converse, Kennett and 
Co., New Orleans, from New York, and the regulations 
ought to be done and shipped to-morrow. So that by or 
before October 15 everything we need will be there. 

My orders are to ship to Pineville if possible and by 
the Picayune I see that occasionally a boat gets up to 
Alexandria. But if on my arrival there I find all our 
things I will promptly write to you to send to me at 
mouth of Red River four or five wagons and my horse, 
that out of the whole I may select the books, bedding, 
and hardware necessary and leave the balance to follow 
when navigation opens. The arms will be delivered at 
Alexandria by Uncle Sam, and if freight is excessive we 
don't care. 

My own preference is that our cadets should not ex- 
ceed one hundred and fifty in number and I doubt if we 
can do them or ourselves justice if in greater number. 
Tell Manning if he or Smith intend to engineer the 



THE VACATION OF i860 289 

Seminary through, they must look well to this question 
of number. Have new mess hall tables made, same 
width as the others but four feet shorter, because four of 
the present length in a row make too close a fit. Tell 
Manning that I hope the mere manner of appointment 
did not defeat the assistant professor of mathematics. 
Such an officer should be there the very day we begin. 
Even if his qualifications are limited to arithmetic. Our 
teaching must be practical and adapted to the capacity 
of the cadets, and all hands must recite daily in mathe- 
matics, and it is a physical impossibility for Vallas to 
hear all or half. I have been quite sick, bad cold and 
some of the bilious that was in me all spring, but I feel 
better now, though my face is much broken out with 
four blisters. 

This week is a busy one for our village - fair, races, 
etc. This country has thirty thousand people, town six 
thousand, the finest farms in the world, and such horses 
and cattle as would do you good to see. We have men 
here who can afford to own such stock as "Fashion," 
and one of our men imported an eight thousand dollar 
English horse, "Bonnie Scotland," which is a beauty. 

At this instant the Prince of Wales is in Cincinnati. 
Some of the ladies wanted me to go down one hundred 
and twenty miles to see him, but I begged off and they 
got other escort. He is having a jolly good time and 
enjoys his trip exceedingly, as he should, for he makes 
his progress during fine weather and when fruits are at 
perfection. I would like to see the youth, but will trust 
to the newspapers for a description. 

My brother John continues to circulate, making Re- 
publican speeches and everybody says that in case Lin- 
coln be elected he will have a high seat in the synagogue. 
Judging from the mere local clamor here, and remem- 



290 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

bering the wild and foolish schism in the Democratic 
Party it is more than probable that Lincoln will be 
elected. But there is so wide a difference between the 
Seward Republicans and Corwin Republicans that in 
case of success the party will break into flinders worse 
than the old Whig Party used to do - and then will be- 
gin the war of the Roses. 

Which wing of the Democratic Party is the Simon 
pure? That seems now the only effort of the Democrats 
north - is to try and see which wing of the party shall be 
construed as the true heir to the rights and glory of the 
old Democratic Party. Douglas here is the Democrat- 
ic but in the South Breckenridge is. 

The truth is that the present territories - Utah, New 
Mexico, Arizona, and the desert - ain't worth quarrel- 
ling over, and practically nobody can be tempted to go 
there except as governor, marshal, judge, etc., of sup- 
posed future states. No sensible man with liberty of 
choice would think of taking his slaves there. Conse- 
quently all this clamor about rights in territories is a 
theoretical one, but as you say it involves a principle 
and therefore is contended for. 

If any calamity should befall our country in this 
question, the future historian would have the pleasant 
task of chronicling the downfall of the Great Republic, 
because one class of would not permit theoreti- 
cally another class of to go, where neither party 

had the most remote intention to go, for I take \t 
that no sensible man except an army officer who could 
not help himself ever went to Utah, New Mexico, or 
Arizona, or even proposes to do so. And as our domin- 
ions now reach the Pacific, and our frontiers are all "rec- 
tified" we have no further necessity of taking in any 
more "worthless Mexican waste land." 



THE VACATION OF i860 291 

I hope therefore that the result of this angry contro- 
versy will be no more extension of territory, but that all 
states will confine their efforts to perfecting and improv- 
ing their internal resources. You can readily under- 
stand that I am sick of this war of prejudice. Here the 
prejudice is that planters have nothing else to do but 
hang abolitionists and hold lynch courts. There, that 
all the people of Ohio are engaged in stealing and run- 
ning off negroes. The truth is they both do injustice to 
the other; and if all would forget and mind their re- 
spective interests, it would be found that slave and all 
other property in the United States are now at a most 
prosperous standard. 

Yesterday I was out all day with my boys gathering 
nuts. I had a single horse spring-wagon and filled it 
with black walnuts and chestnuts - and what with roast- 
ing, boiling, and eating chestnuts there is no peace in 
the house. When I began the young ones had gone to 
church but they are back now, and it requires more 
nerve to write in the midst of their noises than if a regi- 
mental band were in full career. 

Mrs. Sherman has put up for me an amount of cur- 
rant jelly, quince jelly, and marmalade and all sorts of 
preserves - but I doubt if I can take them down. If Red 
River were navigable I would send them down to New 
Orleans from Cincinnati to Kennett and have him re- 
ship them. I am trying to stop smoking. It and bad 
food had reduced me to a skeleton, and I am still thin. 
I was fifteen pounds lighter than ever before in my life 
when I reached home. I had paid no attention to it and 
Mrs. Sherman thinks I am so careless of what I eat, that 
she really believes we are starved down there. I don't 
know what she will think when she has to depend on 
Schwartzenberg and Alexandria for her daily supplies. 



292 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

I know they are well off here and therefore shall leave 
them statu quo till I send for them, but in the meantime 
will myself occupy the house built for me, though I still 
think Vallas' house should be plastered and painted first, 
and Mills can do so. I take it the plastering will all be 
done before I arrive and that one and may be two coats 
of paint on. 

The moment I arrive at New Orleans I will write you 
whether I want the wagons sent to the mouth of Red 
River. The distance is sixty-five miles, time three days, 
load say two thousand pounds for two yoke. Total time 
of trip one week - about twenty dollars a load which 
would be three dollars a day -or better one dollar the 
hundred, about that. There will be fourteen boxes of 
books, eighty rolls of bed and about six hundred weight 
of sundries. Keep your mind on four or five wagons. 
Wagons should have covers. 

Write me very fully by the 12th October care of Ken- 
nett, Blood and Co., New Orleans, on these points - 
that I may act with the greatest chance of economy and 
certainty. Only make a written charter party, and al- 
low for lay days at a price at the mouth. If you have 
one of those two hundred dollar checks left or any means 
of drawing send me some by letter as I shall be hard up 
on arrival at New Orleans ; let me know also then who is 
vice-president. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO D. F. BOYD 

Lancaster, O., Oct. 3, i860. 
My DEAR FRIEND: . . . It is all-important the 
bedding, stationery, and textbooks, [and] your library 
books should all be on hand November 1 . If Red River 
be at all navigable I will stick to it, but otherwise I must 
depend on wagons, and it is unsafe to judge of this be- 
forehand. I will be much influenced by what I hear 



THE VACATION OF i860 293 

from you on arrival at New Orleans. I have knowledge 
that everything will be there in readiness by the end of 
next week. I will surely reach New Orleans by Satur- 
day, 13th instant, and hope to be en route hence by Oc- 
tober 15 or 16. If Red River be navigable I can come 
right along, otherwise I must wait at mouth of Red 
River till wagons come down. 

I send you a copy of the printed regulations. I have 
twenty-five with me and one thousand are now enroute 
for New Orleans, where I will take them up - it was im- 
possible to have them done before. I did not have them 
bound, as these one thousand copies will last us three 
years, by which time a new edition will be certain. 

The weather here is cold and raw, and it is time for 
southern birds to take flight. Nothing new in politics, 
but the election of Lincoln is still regarded as quite cer- 
tain here. The truth is New York and Pennsylvania 
control this result, and they are always uncertain. 

ADVERTISEMENT OF THE SEMINARY IN THE 
LOUISIANA DEMOCRAT, OCTOBER, i860 

The second session of this institution will commence 
1st November and continue, without vacation, till 20th 
August, 1 86 1. 

Terms OF ADMISSION: the applicant must be between 
fifteen and twenty-one years of age, of good moral char- 
acter, and well versed in the primary English branches. 

Expenses of the session : tuition, board, washing, 
lights and fuel -$220; uniform clothing, texts books, 
stationary, medical attendance and rent of fixed furni- 
ture- $120. A deposit of $200 must be made first of 
November. 

Each cadet must bring with him bedding [and] the 
minor articles of room furniture, or purchase them at 
the Seminary at a cost of $30. He must also bring a sup- 



294 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

ply of under-clothing. For further information apply 
to Col. W. T. Sherman, superintendent, Alexandria, La. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO D. F. BOYD 
St. Charles Hotel, New Orleans, Monday, Oct. 15, 
i860. 

DEAR Boyd : I arrived yesterday. This morning find 
that a part of our bedding has been shipped per "Elea- 
nor." Hardware all ready except some buckets and 
brooms, and these will be ready by Wednesday, when I 
think I will ship per "Era No. 7" twenty-nine boxes of 
books, text and library. One [box of] regulations and 
some ten of Vallas' are here, and I will send all per "Era 
No. 7" if in meantime a better boat do not come. I will 
either come up in the "Era" or the stage. I would leave 
to-morrow and reach Alexandria Thursday, but Jar- 
reau wants me to get him two servants to wait on his 
table, and I want a drummer, if possible, vice Frank, 
deserted. 

Tell Jarreau that Kennett was not willing that any 
more groceries should be sent him, as there is a balance 
due them of six months' standing; but as I know these 
groceries will be wanted, I have agreed with Kennett to 
be responsible. I hope Mr. Vallas has his assistant en- 
gaged. We must start November 1 to the minute. I 
find Ruddiman's Grammar could not be had. Andrews 
and Stoddard has been substituted. No prefixes and suf- 
fixes - it is a book published solely for West Point and 
is not for sale. . . 



VIII. THE SECOND SESSION. THE COM- 
ING OF SECESSION 

The opening of the second session. Political conditions in Louisiana. 
Sherman's account of his course. Beauregard plans a course of study for his 
sons. Examinations for admission. St. Ange objects to the methods of classi- 
fication. Sherman is advised to vote in the presidential election. He de- 
cides not to vote. Evidences of coming secession. Views of the faculty on 
state rights and secession. Governor Moore calls a special session of the leg- 
islature. Disorder among the cadets a reflection of the political situation. 
John Sherman advises his brother to leave Louisiana. The latter predicts 
that secession will fail. Condemns the hesitation of the Washington govern- 
ment Vigilance committees in control of Louisiana. Ammunition for the 
Seminary. Sherman declares that he will not go with the secession movement. 
His opinion on the situation in South Carolina. Christmas at the Seminary. 
Sherman's annual report. Graham opposes secession. Lawlessness the real 
trouble. Sherman says too much democracy. Hope of Reconstruction. 

Upon returning to Louisiana in the fall of i860 Sherman was 
surprised to find the people in a disturbed state of mind over the 
political situation. Nor was he prepared for the swift movement 
toward secession that followed the election of Lincoln. Of such 
vital concern to him were the political happenings of the time 
that in his letters he has little to say of the internal affairs of the 
Seminary, but much of the drift toward secession and Civil War. 
His own views are clearly exhibited in his letters. From the 
Memoirs [vol. i, 179] is taken the following summary account 
of the happenings in Louisiana in the early fall of i860. 

Reaching Alexandria early in October, I pushed for- 
ward the construction of the two buildings, some fences, 
gates, and all other work, with the object of a more per- 
fect start at the opening of the regular term November 
1, i860. About this time Dr. Powhatan Clarke 65 was 
elected assistant professor of chemistry, etc., and acted 

65 Doctor Clarke was elected during the first session to take Doctor Sevier's 
place. — Ed. 



296 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

as secretary of the Board of Supervisors, but no other 
changes were made in our small circle of professors. 

November came, and with it nearly if not quite all our 
first set of cadets, and others, to the number of about one 
hundred and thirty. We divided them into two com- 
panies, issued arms and clothing, and began a regular 
system of drills and instruction, as well as the regular 
recitations. I had moved into my new house, but pru- 
dently had not sent for my family, nominally on the 
ground of waiting until the season was further ad- 
vanced, but really because of the storm that was lower- 
ing heavy on the political horizon. 

The presidential election was to occur in November, 
and the nominations had already been made in stormy 
debates by the usual conventions. . . Bell and Ever- 
ett, a kind of compromise [were] mostly in favor in 
Louisiana. Political excitement was at its very height, 
and it was constantly asserted that Mr. Lincoln's election 
would imperil the Union. I purposely kept aloof from 
politics, would take no part, and remember that on the 
day of the election in November I was notified that it 
would be advisable for me to vote for Bell and Everett, 
but I openly said I would not, and I did not. 

The election of Mr. Lincoln fell upon us all like a 
clap of thunder. People saw and felt that the South had 
threatened so long that, if she quietly submitted, the 
question of slavery in the territories was at an end for- 
ever. I mingled freely with the members of the Board 
of Supervisors, and with the people of Rapides Parish 
generally, keeping aloof from all cliques and parties, 
and I certainly hoped that the threatened storm would 
blow over, as had so often occurred before, after similar 
threats. 

At our Seminary the order of exercises went along 



THE COMING OF SECESSION 297 

with the regularity of the seasons. Once a week, I had 
the older cadets to practise reading, reciting, and elocu- 
tion, and noticed that their selections were from Cal- 
houn, Yancey, and other southern speakers, all treating 
of the defense of their slaves and their home institutions 
as the very highest duty of the patriot. Among boys 
this was to be expected; and among the members of our 
board, though most of them declaimed against politi- 
cians generally, and especially abolitionists, as pests, yet 
there was a growing feeling that danger was in the 
wind. 

I recall the visit of a young gentleman who had been 
sent from Jackson, by the governor of Mississippi, to 
confer with Governor Moore, then on his plantation at 
Bayou Robert, and who had come over to see our 
college. He spoke to me openly of secession as a 
fixed fact, and that its details were only left open for 
discussion. I also recall the visit of some man who was 
said to be a high officer in the order of "Knights of the 
Golden Circle," of the existence of which order I was 
even ignorant, until explained to me by Major Smith and 
Dr. Clarke. But in November, i860, no man ever ap- 
proached me offensively, to ascertain my views, or my 
proposed course of action in case of secession, and no 
man in or out of authority ever tried to induce me to 
take part in steps designed to lead toward disunion. I 
think my general opinions were well known and under- 
stood, viz., that "secession was treason, was war;" and 
that in no event could the North and West permit the 
Mississippi River to pass out of their control. But some 
men at the South actually supposed at the time that the 
Northwestern States, in case of a disruption of the gen- 
eral government, would be drawn in self interest to an 
alliance with the South. . . 



298 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

At the beginning of the second session, Major Beauregard 
sent both sons to the Seminary. One of these was Sherman's 
adjutant and also assistant teacher of French. Braxton Bragg in 
his correspondence showed hearty interest in the prospects for the 
second session. Other correspondence of this time relates to 
Seminary routine, to politics, and to the prospect of war. 

P. G. T. BEAUREGARD TO W. T. SHERMAN 

New Orleans, October 27, i860. 

Dear Colonel : I send you according to promise my 
two sons Rene and Henry, the latter being a state cadet 
from the Parish of St. Bernard. . . 

Rene, I think, is now prepared to enter your third 
class, but should he not be so in mathematics I hope he 
will be permitted to enter that class in all his other 
studies for he is very well prepared in them. Should he 
be appointed assistant teacher of French I hope he will 
be excused from his own French recitations, so that he 
may devote as much time as practicable to his other 
branches of studies. I do not desire that he should 
study Greek, as I wish him to receive, more especially 
a commercial education. I hope he will be considered 
worthy of the appointment of sargeant major, which he 
is anxious to obtain. 

With regard to Master Henry, I desire having him 
thoroughly prepared for West Point, especially in 
mathematics and drawing, he is to enter there in June, 
1862, and I wish him to do honor to your institution and 
to his name ; hence I have particularly to request that he 
should not learn Latin and Greek but devote that time 
to the study of mathematics, drawing, English, French 
and Spanish, which I know from experience will be as 
much as he can accomplish in eighteen months' appli- 
cation to his studies. 

I hope he may be able to room with his brother, but 
should he not be able to do so, I hope he will be put with 



THE COMING OF SECESSION 299 

well-behaved and studious room-mates. I have to make 
the same request for his two cousins, young James Proc- 
tor and Charles Reggio - the latter is from the parish of 
Plaquemines - and I recommend them both also to your 
especial care as well as Master Clement Labarre of this 
city. 

As I feel very solicitous about the health of my sons, 
I hope you will do me the favor to apprize me of the 
fact should they become seriously unwell, that I may 
come up or send for them and I sincerely hope that Mr. 
J. will do better with his department [the mess hall] 
than he has done heretofore as otherwise it may become 
a serious drawback to the success of your institution, for 
parents generally attach more importance to the health 
of children than to their intellectual developments. . . 

BRAXTON BRAGG TO W. T. SHERMAN 

At Home, near Thibodeaux, La., October 25, i860. 
My dear Sherman : It is long since we last com- 
muned, but both of us have been travelers, and that sel- 
dom conduces to correspondence. . . When in Vir- 
ginia I had a long letter from my old friend Graham, 
dated just after the examination, giving me most agree- 
able information of the general success of our bantling 
(the Seminary), and especially of my young protege, 
Perkins. Intermingled with this was the unpleasant 
controversy in the Board of Supervisors, and a result in- 
jurious, I fear, to the permanent prosperity of the Acad- 
emy. Yet we must not despair or cease our exertions in 
the right direction. Our popularity is growing daily 
with the influential people of the country, and I believe 
with perseverance we shall conquer all opposition. In- 
deed, I don't know but it is better for us to have it. We 
should never labor to accomplish our object with half 
the zeal or determination but for this very ignorant 



3 oo SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

prejudice. But let me beg of you not to compromise 
your position by actively espousing either cause. Gra- 
ham is able to fight the battle on our side, and your opin- 
ion will have more weight and influence when drawn 
out, as it must be, than if you were an active party in the 
controversy. 

I hope our anticipations may be realized in having a 
full attendance at the opening of your session next week. 
I gave a letter this morning to a young man. . . I 
hope you may work him into some corner left open by 
non-attendance. I am told he has been a headstrong, 
willful, and lazy boy, hard to keep at any school. But 
his father has great hopes in the military enthusiasm, 
your system of regularity and accountability and in 
Fred's influence. Fred [Perkins] has just called to bid 
me goodby. From being a thin, sickly, sallow boy, he is 
grown ruddy, erect, and manly in appearance. And by 
this great physical change and his admirable deport- 
ment since his return home, he has done much in this 
community to call favorable attention to the Academy. 
It is a source of no little pleasure to me, and your heart 
would be delighted to see the just pride of his good old 
white-headed mother as she admires her baby. He is 
her youngest, and born after his father's death. I trust 
he may still continue to deserve the commendation of 
his superiors. 

When north I had no opportunity of seeing anything 
about that old battery. But I do not see that anything 
can be done except in the way you propose - a donation - 
by the general government, and I see no reason why this 
may not succeed. Governor Moore told me it should 
have his cordial support. I could easily get the approv- 
al of the Senate, I suppose, through Mr. Slidell and my 
brother. What say you to a memorial from the Board 



THE COMING OF SECESSION 301 

of Supervisors headed by the governor? It would be 
indelicate for me to move in the matter, and may be ego- 
tistical for me to do even the suggesting. But I should 
feel a pride in your success and believe it would benefit 
the Academy. For a precedent you have only to see the 
donations to Missouri of guns captured by Doniphan in 
the affair of Sacramento. Guns do not cease to be na- 
tional trophies because they may be entrusted to the 
keeping of a state, and a proviso might be added requir- 
ing their return whenever the state should cease to use 
them as proposed. Make a point, too, of their being 
"worn out" and no longer of any intrinsic value. But 
my sheet is full and egotistical garrulity must cease. . . 

The correspondence during the months of November and 
December deals almost wholly with political matters. Sherman 
is uncertain whether it is better to bring his family to Louisiana 
or in expectation of secession and Civil War, to prepare to leave 
the state, but finally decides to leave them in Ohio until the re- 
sult of the elections is known. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO MRS. SHERMAN 

Alexandria, Nov. 3, i860. 

. . . This is a Saturday evening and I am seated 
at the office table where the Academic Board has been 
all week examining cadets. We have admitted in all 
some eighty; and rejected about a dozen for want of the 
elementary knowledge required for admission. To- 
night, Saturday, we close the business, and on Monday 
recitations begin. Still many more will straggle in, and 
I expect we will settle down to about a hundred and 
twenty, less than we had reason to expect, but quite 
enough for comfort. . . 

People here now talk as though disunion was a fixed 
thing. Men of property say that as this constant feeling 



302 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

of danger of abolitionism exists they would rather try a 
Southern Confederacy. Louisiana would not secede, but 
should South Carolina secede I fear other Southern 
States will follow, and soon general anarchy will pre- 
vail. I say but little, try and mind my own business and 
await the issue of events. . . 

The country is very poor and nothing can be bought 
here but stewed beef and pork, vegetables are out of the 
question save potatoes at about five dollars the barrel. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO E. BERTe ST. ANGE 

Alexandria, Nov. 4, i860. 

SlR: Yours of 3rd inst. is before me having been re- 
ceived last night just after the Academic Board ad- 
journed, having awaited your attendance one hour. 

The duty of classifying cadets either of a new or old 
class belongs to the Academic Board, voting by a ma- 
jority. The Academic Board yesterday after a patient 
sitting arranged all the cadets now present into two 
classes, third and fourth, lists of each being recorded in 
the proper book. 

This classification must not be disturbed by any pro- 
fessor. It is your duty to arrange your sections, subject 
to that classification and I specially require that you 
make no list of cadets, for recitation in French, except 
the classification fixed by the Board. Were you to pub- 
lish a list of sections, styling any cadet as a member of 
the Fourth Class, whom the Academic Board has ad- 
judged a member of the Third Class, you must see plain- 
ly that you would be treating the Academic Board with 
contempt. And would introduce disorder and confu- 
sion, where system must prevail. 

In all bodies where a majority rules, there must be a 
minority; and for a member of the minority to say he is 
treated with contempt he must show marks of contempt 



THE COMING OF SECESSION 303 



other than a bare fact that the majority thinks different 
from him. Now you remember that every member of 
the Board assured you repeatedly of their personal re- 
spect, called on you to suggest a remedy for the difficulty 
that surrounded us, and even adjourned one hour for 
thought and deliberation. Even then you could not sug- 
gest a remedy and the Board proceeded on their con- 
sciences and honor to arrange the Third Class. If some 
cadets in that class are below the standard you think 
requisite, it is no fault of yours. You are not respon- 
sible for it, but the blame is justly chargeable to the 
Academic Board, whose clear duty it is to "classify" 
cadets (see par. 10). The mode of imparting instruction 
is left to the professor by par. 7. But that is a very dif- 
ferent matter from "classifying" the cadets which is 
clearly the prerogative of the Academic Board. 

You should have attended the session of last night, 
and if confusion in the recitations of tomorrow result 
therefrom it will be clearly traced to you. . . 

G. MASON GRAHAM TO W. T. SHERMAN 

Tyrone, Nov. 5th, i860. 

Dear Colonel: In a conversation with Mr. San- 
ford yesterday afternoon, we came to the conclusion to 
advise you that in case any other of the professors vote 
in the election to-morrow, you would do so also, if you 
are entitled to vote, lest cavillers should impugn your 
motives for refraining from voting, and say that you did 
so because there was no ticket here that suited you. We 
think too that the manifestation of independence in vot- 
ing, provided any other professor vote, will have a good 
effect. 

Your right to vote will depend on whether you were 
within the limits of this state on the 5th day of last No- 
vember. The polls open at 9 a.m. and close at 4 p.m. 



30 4 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

W. T. SHERMAN TO MRS. SHERMAN 

Alexandria, Nov. io, i860. 

. . . We have had a week of cold rains but it has 
cleared off, and to-day is bright and warm. I am go- 
ing into town today and will leave this at the post-office. 
The election came off on Tuesday and resulted in Alex- 
andria in a majority for Breckenridge, next Bell, next 
Douglas. Of course there were no votes for Lincoln. 
Indeed he has no ticket in this state. 

I received a note from a friend advising me to vote. 
I thought the matter over and concluded I would not 
vote. Technically I was entitled to a vote as I entered 
Louisiana just a year ago, but I thought I ought not to 
vote in this election, and did not. I would have preferred 
Bell, but I think he has no chance, and I do not wish 
to be subject to any political conditions. If I am to 
hold my place by a political tenure I prefer again to 
turn vagabond. 

I would not be surprised to learn that my not voting 
was construed into a friendly regard for Lincoln, and 
that it might result in my being declared a public enemy. 
I shall however rest under a belief that now as the elec- 
tion is over all this hard feeling will subside and peace 
once more settle on the country. We have no returns 
as yet. Maybe the mail tonight will bring some returns 
from New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, those large 
states that determine this election, but I do not count on 
any clear knowledge till next Monday. 

We began our recitations last Monday, and things 
have settled down into order and system. . . 

No matter which way we turn there arise difficulties 
which seem insurmountable. In case Lincoln is elected 
they say that South Carolina will secede and that the 
Southern States will not see her forced back. Seces- 



THE COMING OF SECESSION 305 

sion must result in Civil War, anarchy, and ruin to our 
present form of government. If it is attempted it would 
be unwise for us to be here. Still I hope for quiet. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO MRS. SHERMAN 

Alexandria, Nov. 23, i860. 

. . . We are having a cold raw day and I avail 
myself of it to do a good deal of indoor work. I was 
out for some hours directing the making of the fence 
around our new house, but the work within proceeds 
very slowly indeed. Our house is all plastered and the 
carpenters are putting in the doors, windows, and cas- 
ings. Also the painter is tinkering around, but at pres- 
ent rate the building will not be ready before Christ- 
mas. I now have all arrangements made for your com- 
ing down about that time, but prudence dictates some 
caution as political events do seem portentous. 

I have a letter from the cashier that he sent you the 
first of exchange, the second I now enclose to you for 
two hundred ninety dollars. But by the very mail 
which brought it came the rumor that the banks are re- 
fusing exchange on the North, which cannot be true; 
also that goods were being destroyed on the levee at New 
Orleans and that the Custom House was closed. I also 
notice that many gentlemen who were heretofore mod- 
erate in their opinions now begin to fall into the popu- 
lar current and go with the mad foolish crowd that 
seems bent on a dissolution of this confederacy. 

The extremists in this quarter took the first news of 
the election of Lincoln so coolly, that I took it for grant- 
ed all would quietly await the issue ; but I have no doubt 
that politicians have so embittered the feelings of the 
people that they think that the Republican Party is bent 
on abolitionism, and they cease to reason or think of 
consequences. 



306 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

We are so retired up here, so much out of the way of 
news, that we hear nothing but stale exaggerations; but 
I feel that a change is threatened and I will wait patient- 
ly for a while. My opinions are not changed. 

If the South is bent on disunion of course I will not 
ally our fate with theirs, because by dissolution they do 
not escape the very danger at which they grow so fran- 
tically mad. Slavery is in their midst and must con- 
tinue, but the interest of slavery is much weaker in Mis- 
souri, Kentucky, Virginia, and Maryland than down 
here. Should the Ohio River become a boundary be- 
tween the two new combinations, there will begin a new 
change. The extreme South will look on Kentucky and 
Tennessee as the North, and in a very few years the same 
confusion and disorder will arise, and a new dissolution, 
till each state and maybe each county will claim sepa- 
rate independence. 

If South Carolina precipitate this Revolution it will 
be because she thinks by delay Lincoln's friends will 
kind of reconcile the middle, wavering states, whereas 
now they may raise the cry of abolition and unite all the 
Slave States. I had no idea that this would actually 
begin so soon, but the news from that quarter does look 
as though she certainly would secede, and that Ala- 
bama, Georgia, Florida, and Texas would soon follow. 
All these might go and still leave a strong, rich confed- 
erated government, but then come Mississippi and 
Louisiana. As these rest on the Mississippi and control 
its mouth I know that the other states north will not 
submit to any molestation of the navigation by foreign 
states. If these two states go and Arkansas follows suit 
then there must be war, fighting, and that will continue 
until one or the other party is subdued. 

If Louisiana call a convention I will not move, but if 



THE COMING OF SECESSION 307 

that convention resolve to secede on a contingency that 
I can foresee, then I must of course quit. It is not to be 
expected that the state would consent to trust me with 
arms and command if I did not go with them full length. 
I don't believe Louisiana would of herself do anything; 
but if South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi 
and Texas resolve no longer to wait, then Louisiana will 
do likewise. Then of course you will be safer where 
you are. As to myself I might have to go to California 
or some foreign country, where I could earn the means 
of living for you and myself. I see no chance in Ohio 
for me. A man is never a prophet in his own land and 
it does seem that nature for some wise purpose, maybe 
to settle wild lands, does ordain that man shall migrate, 
clear out from the place of his birth. 

I did not intend to write so much, but the day is 
gloomy, and the last news from New Orleans decidedly 
so, if true. Among ourselves it is known that I am op- 
posed to disunion in any manner or form. Prof. Smith 
ditto, unless Lincoln should actually encourage aboli- 
tionism after installed in office. Mr. Boyd thinks the 
denial to the southern people of access to new territories 
is an insult to which they cannot submit with honor and 
should not, let the consequences be what they may. Dr. 
Clarke is simply willing to follow the fortunes of the 
South, be what they may. Vallas and St. Ange, for- 
eigners, don't care, but will follow their immediate self 
interests. 

Thus we stand, about a fair sample of a mixed crowd ; 
but 'tis now said all over the South the issue is made, 
and better secession now when they can than wait till 
it is too late. This is a most unfortunate condition of 
things for us, and I hardly know how to act with de- 
cency and firmness, and like most undecided men will 



3 o8 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

wait awhile to see what others do; if feeling in South 
Carolina continues they must do something, else they 
will be the laughing stock of the world, and that is what 
they dread. For of all the states they can least afford 
to secede, as comparatively she is a weak and poor 
state. This on the contrary is destined to be a rich and 
powerful one. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO MRS. SHERMAN 

Alexandria, Nov. 26, i860. 

. . . I commenced writing a letter last night to 
Minnie, but a friend sent us out a newspaper of New 
Orleans, November 22 which had come up from New 
Orleans in a boat. For some reason the papers come 
to us very irregularly. The stage whenever it has pas- 
sengers leaves behind the paper mail and only brings the 
bags when there are few or no passengers. Well, of 
late though letters come about as usual our papers come 
along very straggling. This newspaper so received 
brings intelligence, how true I know not, of a panic in 
New York, Baltimore, Virginia, and everywhere. Of 
course panics are the necessary consequence of the mam- 
moth credit system, the habit of borrowing which per- 
vades our country, and though panics transfer losses to 
the wrong shoulders still they do good. 

But along with this comes the cause, the assertion that 
South Carolina will secede certain. Georgia ditto. 
And Alabama. Mississippi will of course, and with 
her Arkansas and Texas. This will leave Louisiana 
no choice. If these premises be true then indeed is there 
abundant cause for panic, disorder, confusion, ruin and 
Civil War. I am determined not to believe it till to 
withhold belief would be stupidity. 

The paper also announces that Governor Moore has 
called the legislature together for December 10, and 



THE COMING OF SECESSION 309 

specially to consider the crisis of the country and to call 
a convention. You know that the theory of our govern- 
ment is, as construed by the southern politicians, that 
a state, one or more, may withdraw from the Union 
without molestation, and unless excitement abates Louis- 
iana will follow the lead of her neighbors. 

You will hear by telegraph the actions of the conven- 
tions of South Carolina and Alabama. Should they 
assert their right to secede and initiate measures to that 
end, then you may infer that I will countermand my 
heretofore preparations for a move. Then it would be 
unsafe for you even to come south. For myself I will 
not go with the South in a disunion movement, and as 
my position at the head of a State Military College 
would necessarily infer fidelity and allegiance to the 
state, my duty will be on the first positive act of disunion 
to give notice of my purpose. 

December 10 the legislature meets. It is hardly pos- 
sible a convention will be called before January and 
until the convention acts the state is not committed. Still 
I think the tone of feeling in the legislature will give me 
a clew to the future. I confess I feel uneasy from these 
events, and more so from the fact that the intelligence 
comes so piecemeal and unsatisfactory. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO MRS. SHERMAN 

Alexandria, Nov. 29, i860. 

. . . This is a holiday, thanksgiving and prayer, 
but holidays and Sundays are my worst days, as then 
the cadets are idle and mischievous. 

Governor Moore has issued his proclamation calling 
the legislature together for December 10, and the proc- 
lamation is couched in ugly language, different from 
his usual more conservative tone. It is manifest to me 
now that the leading politicians of the state have con- 



310 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

ferred together and have agreed to go out of the Union, 
or at all events to favor the new doctrine of secession. 
The legislature will determine the call of a convention, 
and the convention will decide very much according to 
the other events that may occur in the meantime. This 
imposes on us a change of purpose, and it will not do for 
you or any one to come south unless the state of feeling 
changes. I know the governor and believe him an ex- 
cellent thermometer of the political atmosphere of 
Louisiana. I hear that business is dead in New Orleans, 
all of which is evidence that the abolitionists have suc- 
ceeded in bringing on the "Inevitable Conflict." 

I am sick of this everlasting subject. The truth has 
nothing to do with this world. Here they know that 
all you have to do in Ohio is to steal niggers, and in 
Ohio though the people are quiescent yet they believe 
that the South are determined to enlarge the area of 
niggers. Like Burton in Toodles I say, Damn the nig- 
gers. I wish they were anywhere or be kept at their 
work. 

I observe more signs of a loosened discipline here. 
Boys are careless and last night because the supper did 
not please them they smashed the crockery and made a 
riot generally. Pistols were fired, which scared Joe 
very much - his education has been neglected, but I 
think he will get used to it. We have dismissed five 
cadets and others must share their fate. I fear the in- 
stitution is in danger from causes which arose after I left 
last summer. The alterations made after I left were 
wrong in principle, causing General Graham to resign, 
and since then he will take no interest in our affairs. 
Governor Moore is intent on politics, same of Dr. Smith, 
so we are left to the chances of the caprices of a parcel 
of wild boys. Still this is a small matter susceptible of 



THE COMING OF SECESSION 311 

remedy, but the secession movement underlies the very 
safety of everything. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO JOHN SHERMAN 

Alexandria, Dec. 1, i860. 

DEAR BROTHER: . . . The quiet which I thought 
the usual acquiesence of the people was merely the pre- 
lude to the storm of opinion that now seems irresistible. 
Politicians, by hearing the prejudices of the people and 
running with the current, have succeeded in destroying 
the government. It cannot be stopped now, I fear. I 
was in Alexandria all day yesterday, and had a full and 
unreserved conversation with Dr. S. A. Smith, state 
senator, who is a man of education, property, influence, 
and qualified to judge. He was during the canvass a 
Breckenridge man, but, though a Southerner in opinion, 
is really opposed to a dissolution of our government. 
He has returned from New Orleans, where he says he 
was amazed to see evidences of public sentiment which 
could not be mistaken. 

The legislature meets December 10 at Baton Rouge. 
The calling a convention forthwith is to be unanimous, 
the bill for army and state ditto. The convention will 
meet in January, and two questions will be agitated: 
Immediate dissolution, a declaration of state inde- 
pendence, and a general convention of Southern States, 
with instructions to demand of the Northern States to 
repeal all laws hostile to slavery and pledges of future 
good behavior. . . 

When the Convention meets in January, as they will 
assuredly do, and resolve to secede, or to elect members 
to a general convention with instructions inconsistent 
with the nature of things, I must quit this place, for it 
would be neither right for me to stay nor would the gov- 
ernor be justified in placing me in this position of trust; 



3 i2 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

for the moment Louisiana assumes a position of hostility, 
then this becomes an arsenal and fort. . . Let me 
hear the moment you think dissolution is inevitable. 
What Mississippi and Georgia do, this state will do 
likewise. . . 

JOHN SHERMAN TO W. T. SHERMAN 

Washington, D.C., December 9, i860. 

. . . I am clearly of the opinion that you ought 
not to remain much longer at your present post. You 
will in all human probability be involved in complica- 
tions from which you cannot escape with honor. Sep- 
arated from your family and all your kin, and an object 
of suspicion you will find your position unendurable. 
A fatal infatuation seems to have seized the southern 
mind, during which any act of madness may be com- 
mitted. . . If the sectional dissensions only rested 
upon real or alleged grievances, they could be readily 
settled, but I fear they are deeper and stronger. You 
can now close your connection with the Seminary with 
honor and credit to yourself, for all who know you speak 
well of your conduct, while by remaining you not only 
involve yourself but bring trouble upon those gentlemen 
who recommended you. 

It is a sad state of affairs, but it is nevertheless true, 
that if the conventions of the Southern States make any- 
thing more than a paper secession, hostile collisions will 
occur and probably a separation between the free and 
the slave states. You can judge whether it is at all prob- 
able that secession of this capital, the commerce of the 
Mississippi, the control of the territories, and the nat- 
ural rivalry of enraged sections can be arranged without 
war. In that event you cannot serve in Louisiana 
against your family and kin in Ohio. The bare pos- 
sibility of such a contingency, it seems to me renders 



THE COMING OF SECESSION 313 



your duty plain, to make a frank statement to all the 
gentlemen connected with you, and with good feeling 
close your engagement. If the storm shall blow over, 
your course will strengthen you with every man whose 
good opinion you desire ; if not, you will escape humilia- 
tion. When you return to Ohio, I will write you freely 
about your return to the army, not so difficult a task as 
you imagine. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO HIS DAUGHTER MINNIE 

Alexandria, La., Dec. 15, i860. 
Dearest Minnie: I have been intending to write 
you a good long letter, and now I wish I could send 
you all something for Christmas, but I thought all along 
that Mama and you and Lizzie, Willie, Tommy, and 
all would be here in our new house by New Year's day. 
The house is all done, only some little painting to be 
done. The stable is finished, but poor Clay 66 has been 
sick. . . In the front yard are growing some small 
oak trees, to give shade in the hot summer days; now 
however it is raw and cold, the leaves are off and it 
looks like winter, though thus far we have had no snow. 
Maybe we will have some snow at Christmas. In the 
back yard I have prepared for a small garden, but the 
soil is poor and will not produce much, except early 
peas, lettuce and sweet potatoes. The house itself looks 
beautiful. Two front porches and one back, all the 
windows open to the floor, like doors, so that you can 
walk out on the porch either upstairs or downstairs. I 
know you would all like the house so much - but dear 
little Minnie, man proposes and God disposes- what I 
have been planning so long and patiently, and thought 
that we were all on the point of realizing, the dream and 
hope of my life, that we could all be together once more 

66 The horse given to Sherman by Mr. Ewing. - Ed. 



3 i4 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

in a home of our own, with peace and quiet and plenty 
around us. All, I fear, is about to vanish, and again I 
fear I must be a wanderer, leaving you all to grow up 
at Lancaster without your Papa. 

Men are blind and crazy, they think all the people of 
Ohio are trying to steal their slaves, and incite them to 
rise up and kill their masters. I know this is a delu- 
sion - but when people believe a delusion, they believe 
it harder than a real fact, and these people in the South 
are going, for this delusion, to break up the government 
under which we live. You cannot understand this but 
Mama will explain it to you. Our governor here has 
gone so far that he cannot change, and in a month maybe 
you will be living under one government and I another. 

This cannot last long, and as I know it is best for you 
all to stay in Lancaster, I will not bring you down here 
at all, unless some very great change takes place. If 
this were only a plain college I could stay with propri- 
ety, but it is an arsenal with guns and powder and balls, 
and were I to stay here I might have to fight for Louis- 
iana and against Ohio. That would hardly do; you 
would not like that I know, and yet I have been asked 
to do it. 67 But I hope still this will yet pass away, and 
that our house and garden will yet see us all united here 
in Louisiana. Your loving papa, W. T. SHERMAN. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO MRS. SHERMAN 

December i5[?], i860. 

. . . I started to write a letter to Minnie but got 
drawn into this political strain that is not for her but 
you. Read her so much of the letter as you please and 
the rest to yourself. 

Governor Moore has assembled the legislature in 

67 This probably means that he was asked to stay as a neutral in case of 
war. Sherman's later letters indicate that such a proposition was made. — Ed. 



THE COMING OF SECESSION 315 

extra session at Baton Rouge and I have seen his mes- 
sage which is positive on the point of secession. You 
will doubtless have the substance of it before you get 
this; and I observe such men as Dick Taylor, the gen- 
eral's son, are in favor of immediate secession. I have 
scarce room now to doubt that Louisiana will quit the 
Union in all * January. The governor recommends the 
establishment of a large arsenal here. We now have a 
limited supply of arms. 

I have announced my position; as long as Louisiana 
is in the Union I will serve her honestly and faithfully, 
but if she quits I will quit too. I will not for a day or 
even hour occupy a position of apparent hostility to 
Uncle Sam. That government is weak enough, but is 
the only thing in America that has even the semblance 
of a government. These state governments are ridicu- 
lous pretences of a government, liable to explode at the 
call of any mob. I don't want to be premature and will 
hold on to the last moment in hopes of change, but they 
seem to be pushing events ridiculously fast. 

There is an evident purpose, a dark design, not to 
allow time for thought and reflection. These southern 
leaders understand the character of their people and 
want action before the spirit subsides. Robert Ander- 
son commands at Charleston, and there I look for the 
first actual collision. Old Fort Moultrie, every brick 
of which is as plain now in my memory as the sidewalk 
in Lancaster, will become historical. It is weak and I 
can scale any of its bastions. If secession, dissolution 
and Civil War do come South Carolina will drop far 
astern and the battle will be fought on the Mississippi. 
The Western States never should consent to a hostile 
people holding the mouth of the Mississippi. Should 

* "In all January" means "all in January." Sherman made frequent use 
of this peculiar construction. — Ed. 



316 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

I be forced to act promptly I will turn up either at St. 
Louis or at Washington. T. knows full well where I 
am, but he is angry at me about his charge against Ohio 
of nigger stealing. You remember my answer from Lan- 
caster. I am very well. Weather cold and overcast. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO MRS. SHERMAN 

Alexandria, Dec. 18, i860. 

. . . I cannot remain here much beyond January 
23, the time set for the state convention to dissolve the 
connection of this state with the U.S. The legislature 
only sat three days and passed unanimously the bills for 
arming the state and calling a convention. That con- 
vention has only to decree what has already been re- 
solved on and proclaimed by the Governor, that Louis- 
iana cannot remain under a Black Republican president. 
The opinion is universal that disunion is resolved on, 
and the only open questions are what states will com- 
pose the Southern Confederacy. 

I regard the failure of Buchanan to strengthen Maj. 
Anderson at Ft. Moultrie as absolutely fatal, as the evi- 
dence of contemptible pusilanimity of our general gov- 
ernment, almost convincing me that the government 
is not worth saving. No wonder Gen. Cass forthwith 
resigned. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO MRS. SHERMAN 

Alexandria, Dec. 23, i860. 
. . . There certainly are symptoms of a general 
breaking up or dissolution of all government every- 
where. The people of the parish on the other side of 
Red River have constituted themselves into a kind of 
vigilance committee with power to execute their own 
sentence on suspected parties. These are the best gen- 
tlemen of the country and though I can never approve 



THE COMING OF SECESSION 317 

of organizations that may as easily be adopted by the 
evil disposed as the well disposed, yet they show the 
tendency toward a general anarchy here as well as all 
over the United States. 

I take it for granted South Carolina has "seceded" 
and that other Southern States will follow and that 
Louisiana will be precipitated along. Her convention 
meets Jan. 23 and I will await patiently her action. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Seminary, Christmas, i860. 

DEAR GENERAL: They [the cartridges] are a most 
appropriate present, and I hope they may all be used 
for holiday salutes, or mere practice. As you request 
I will not put them on my returns. Else they would 
have certainly gone on the books. When did you get 
cartridges? I could procure none in Washington or in 
New Orleans, and when the Parish Jury appropriated 
two hundred fifty dollars for ammunition to be stored 
here, I invested the money in twenty kegs of powder, 
lead, and fifteen thousand percussion caps : and now wait 
for the return of the Rapides for balls and buck-shot, 
intending if necessity should arise to use our powder 
flasks and pouches till we have leisure for making car- 
tridges. The mere fact of our having here these arms 
and munitions will be a great fact. Still, should unfor- 
tunately an occasion arise I could leave a strong guard 
here, and with a part of the cadets could move prompt- 
ly to any point. 

I have to Governor Moore, to Dr. Smith, and to the 
magistrate of this precinct defined my position. As 
long as Louisiana is in the Union and I occupy this post 
I will serve her faithfully against internal or external 
enemies. But if Louisiana secede from the general 
government, that instant I stop. I will do no act, 



318 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

breathe no word, think no thought hostile to the gov- 
ernment of the United States. Weak as it is, it is the only 
semblance of strength and justice on this continent, as 
compared with which the state governments are weak 
and trifling. If Louisiana join in this unhallowed 
movement to dismember our old government, how long 
will it be till her parishes and people insult and deride 
her? You now profess to have a state government and 
yet your people, your neighbors, good, intelligent, and 
well-meaning men have already ignored its laws and 
courts, and give to an unknown, irresponsible body 
of citizens the right to try, convict, and execute suspected 
persons. If gentlemen on Rapides Bayou have this ab- 
solute right and power to try and hang a stranger, what 
security have you or any stranger to go into these pine 
woods where it may become a popular crime to own a 
good horse or wear broadcloth? 

My dear General, we are in the midst of sad times. 
It is not slavery - it is a tendency to anarchy everywhere. 
I have seen it all over America, and our only hope is in 
Uncle Sam. Weak as that government is, it is the only 
approach to one. I do take the [National] Intelligen- 
cer and read it carefully. I have read all the items you 
call my attention to, and have offered them to cadets 
but they seem to prefer the [New Orleans] Delta. 

I do think Buchanan made a fatal mistake. He 
should have reinforced Anderson, my old captain, at 
my old post, Fort Moultrie and with steam frigates 
made Fort Sumpter [sic~\ impregnable. This instead of 
exciting the Carolinians would have forced them to 
pause in their mad career. Fort Sumpter with three thou- 
sand men and the command of the seas would have en- 
abled the government to execute the revenue laws, and 
to have held South Carolina in check till reason could 



THE COMING OF SECESSION 319 

resume its sway. Whereas now I fear they have a con- 
tempt for Uncle Sam and will sacrifice Anderson. Let 
them hurt a hair of his head in the execution of his 
duty, and I say Charleston must [be] blotted from ex- 
istence. 'Twill arouse a storm to which the slavery 
question will be as nothing else I mistake the character 
of our people. 

Of course I have countermanded my orders for Mrs. 
Sherman to come south, and I feel that my stay here is 
drawing to a close. Still I will not act till I conceive 
I must and should, and will do all that a man ought, 
to allow time for a successor. Smith and Dr. Clarke 
are up at Judge Boyce's, St. Ange lives in Alexandria. 
Boyd and I are alone. I have provided for a Christmas 
dinner to the cadets. Still your present to them is most 
acceptable, and what was provided by Jarreau can be 
distributed along. . . 

BRAXTON BRAGG TO W. T. SHERMAN 

Baton Rouge, La., Dec. 26, i860. 

My DEAR Sherman : The decision you have formed 
does not surprise me; indeed, I do not see how it could 
be otherwise under the circumstances in which you are 
placed ; and you will yet do me the justice to believe it 
is most painful to realize the necessity. You are acting 
on a conviction of duty to yourself and to your family 
and friends. A similar duty on my part may throw us 
into an apparent hostile attitude, but it is too terrible to 
contemplate and I will not discuss it. 

You see the course of events - South Carolina is gone, 
nothing can recall her. The Union is already dis- 
solved. Mississippi has just elected a convention all the 
same way. Alabama the same. There will be a strong 
fight in this state. The city delegation will probably 
control the convention, and both parties are making 



320 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

great efforts there. But it all amounts to nothing; the 
Union is already gone. 

The only question now is; can we reconstruct any 
government without bloodshed? I do not think we can, 
and the question is momentous. Yet we find a few old 
political hacks and barroom bullies are leading public 
sentiment, and will in many cases represent us in con- 
vention. They can easily pull down a government, but 
when another is to be built who will confide in them? 
Yet no one seems to reflect that anything more is neces- 
sary than to "secede." Such a chaotic mass to work on 
has never presented itself to my mind, and I can see 
nothing but confusion to come of it. 

We have had a preliminary meeting of our "Military 
Board," and laid down a plan for the formation of 
military companies. We have five thousand stands of 
arms - muskets; are to proceed to New Orleans to-mor- 
row to see what can be done in enlarging it. All re- 
ceived from the government so far are gone - issued 
to volunteers companies and thrown away without the 
slightest accountability. Unless brought into service 
and kept under discipline how are we to prevent the 
same thing again? A regular force is the only alter- 
native. 

I shall still continue to hope, though without reason, 
that Providence will yet avert the great evil. But 
should the worst come we shall still be personal friends. 
What are we to do to keep up our Bantam? 68 Is either 
of your professors fit to take your place? Can we get a 
suitable man elsewhere? Confer freely with General 
Graham on the subject. We all have full confidence 
in your judgment, and it will go far in deciding our 
course if you leave. 

68 The Seminary. — Ed. 



THE COMING OF SECESSION 321 

The trouble about your salary 69 was an oversight in 
not amending the estimates after the bill was passed. 
No appropriation was made. There can be no diffi- 
culty in getting it through the next session. I will try 
and get it done early in the session. Whenever a sup- 
ply of arms are sent to you the board will employ a 
man as armorer or authorize you to do it, for their 
preservation. 

The following report to the Board of Supervisors, of which 
only the French version has been preserved, was the last official 
report made by Superintendent Sherman. It explains in detail 
the conditions of the Seminary at the close of his administration. 

ANNUAL REPORT OF SHERMAN, JANUARY, 1861 

Louisiana State Seminary of Learning and Military 

Academy, Alexandria, January 1, 1861. 
To the President of the Board of Supervisors, Alex- 
andria: 

Sir: I have the honor to submit this, my Annual 
Report. Accompanying it you will find, 

1 st. Balance sheet, exhibiting the state of all accounts 
for i860. 

2nd. An Inventory of articles on hand for sale to 
cadets, classified as "merchandise," such as text books, 
clothing, bedding, etc. 

3d. An inventory of property belonging to the Sem- 
inary, charged to expense account, but remaining on 
hand and in daily use. 

4th. A return of arms, accoutrements and ammuni- 
tion stored here, for the Central State Arsenal. 

5th. A list or catalogue of all professors, cadets, and 
other persons belonging to the Seminary. 

69 At the session of i860 a law was passed making Sherman superintendent 
of the State Central Arsenal, but the author of the act neglected to have the 
provision for the salary inserted in the appropriation bill. — Ed. 



322 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

6th. An exhibit, giving the approximate cost of 
maintaining a "state" and "pay" cadet. 

These contain all the information I am required to 
give at this time, but I am satisfied you will expect of 
me a more full exhibit of our financial prospects. 

By an examination of the Balance sheet, marked i, 
you will observe that we begin the new year with: 
[$56,056.02]. . . 

I estimate our expenses for this current year to be: 
[$43,74642]. . . 

Deducting this from the former sum and we should 
have a cash balance at the beginning of next year, of 
$12,310.60, of which balance the sum of $10,502.97 will 
belong to the "State Cadet Fund," and must be held 
sacred. Deducting this from the former balance, leaves 
the sum of $1,807.63 over and above all the estimated 
expenses, which are full and liberal. From our iso- 
lated position, however, we must expect always to keep 
on hand a pretty large stock of merchandise for sale to 
cadets; and this will require a moderate capital to be 
retained in hand. 

All other accounts, such as wood, tuition, furniture, 
and tailors, are self supporting. 

The two professors' houses are now substantially done, 
and will be occupied within a fortnight. The old rail 
fence has been removed, and a plain board fence con- 
structed, so as to enclose the buildings in a rectangular 
field of about twenty-eight acres. The small balance of 
the appropriation for roads and fences, $243.06, will 
soon be expended on the main road, within the Seminary 
limits, and in connection with the road now under con- 
struction by commissioners of the parish. 

It would be well, at this time, to demolish the old, 
dilapidated log cabin which stands by the east tower 



THE COMING OF SECESSION 323 

of the Seminary, as well as the shanty occupied by the 
tailor's family, and to construct, in more retired locali- 
ties, two plain but neat cottages, one for the servants 
employed about the Institution, and the other for the 
occupation of the tailor. These would not cost over 
seven hundred dollars, a sum that the very favorable 
condition of our finances will warrant. With these 
small changes, I do not see that any more buildings will 
be called for till the number of cadets exceed one hun- 
dred and sixty. 

Central State Arsenal. By the act of your Gen- 
eral Assembly, approved March 14, i860, was estab- 
lished here, in connection with this Military Academy, 
an Arsenal under the above title. We then had on hand 
only fifty-five muskets and fifty sets of rifle equipments, 
and it appeared to me of some importance that a better 
supply should be procured before the opening of the 
present term. On my application, the adjutant-general 
of the state, M. Grivot, and Governor Moore, placed in 
my hands a requisition on the ordnance department of 
the United States, for the quota of arms due Louisiana 
for the year 1 861 . Availing myself of the August vaca- 
tion, I went to Washington, at my own expense, had a 
personal interview with the secretary of war, Gov. 
Floyd, who promptly and courteously gave the neces- 
sary orders for advancing these arms before the time 
they could be claimed under existing laws. Colonel 
Craig, chief of ordnance, promptly filled the requisi- 
tion, so that we are now in possession of a complete sup- 
ply of the very arms and accoutrements needed by this 
institution. The arms are of the newest and best pat- 
terns. The jury of the parish, at its December meeting, 
appropriated the sum of two hundred, fifty dollars for 
the purchase and deposit here of powder, balls, and per- 



324 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

cussion caps. By an inspection of the return herewith 
you will see a complete list of them all. 

To afford a proper and safe place of storage for these 
arms and ammunition, I enclosed the space under the 
main stairway, in such a manner as greatly to strengthen 
them, and to afford a magazine easy of access, easy to 
guard, and where the powder is remote from any walls 
containing fireplaces or flues. 

It was my purpose to give in detail the history of 
events which attended our progress during the past year ; 
to have explained the character of discipline, of instruc- 
tion, and all things that would be calculated to assist you 
in your duty report to the legislature. But I find all 
these things so well described by your late vice-presi- 
dent, General Graham, in his report of April 28, i860, 
that I have nothing further to add. 

The rules and regulations for the government of us 
all, professors and cadets, have been so thoroughly can- 
vassed, and adopted and printed for general use and cir- 
culation, that nothing remains but to give them a fair 
trial. Should, in their application, any defects exhibit 
themselves, I shall not hesitate to point them out, and 
at the very start I cannot withhold the expression of my 
earnest conviction that, in our course of study and array 
of text books, we have imposed upon the cadets a load 
they cannot bear, and that it is calculated to make im- 
perfect and superficial scholars. In adding to a full 
scientific course of study a most complete classical one, 
we are apt to appall the mind of ambitious youth who 
contemplates the task he has assumed. 

Our standard for admission is low, but not too low. 
The majority of applicants come to us very badly pre- 
pared, and with every disposition possible to yield to the 
wishes of parents, the Academic Board was constrained 
to reject twelve applicants at the beginning of this term. 



THE COMING OF SECESSION 325 

All these things can be safely left to time, and, in the 
meantime, by adhering closely to the system which has 
been well begun, by maintaining a pretty severe disci- 
pline, and more especially, by keeping the classes of 
cadets constantly employed, at their studies and recita- 
tions, we can, beyond the probability of doubt, complete 
the work so auspiciously begun, and make this to rank 
among the first institutions of our country. A result in 
which I feel assured all, professors and cadets will con- 
tinue to exhibit a pride and zeal worthy the cause. 

I have the honor to be your ob't servant, 

W. T. Sherman, superintendent. 

After the New Year the people of the state hurried on to 
secession. For the most part Sherman was a passive spectator 
declaring that in case Louisiana should secede he would resign. 
The seizure of the arsenal at Baton Rouge and the consign- 
ment to him of the arms there captured decided him to resign 
his position at once, since he regarded the seizure of the post as 
an act of hostility against the Federal government. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO MRS. SHERMAN 

[January, 1861.] 
. . . Louisiana will surely secede this month, but 
no hostile movements will take place for some time, and 
about the 4th of March the plots and counterplots of the 
politicians, who save the people of this country the 
trouble of government, will become manifest; then 
something must be done or all this confusion will be- 
come a farce. 

I happened to stumble on an article in the papers say- 
ing that Mrs. Anderson had appealed to the president 
in behalf of her husband. Her appeal would have 
moved any man of feeling, I know that well. Ander- 
son is the very man for the place, and will do his duty, 
and if communication be opened to the sea, the war may 



326 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

be narrowed down to that point as it should. Other- 
wise it may spread all over the country. We must wait 
as patiently as possible. . . 

G. MASON GRAHAM TO W. T. SHERMAN 

Tyrone, Friday Night, Jan. 4, 1861. 

Dear Colonel : Your Christmas letter came duly to 
hand, and I beg to make you my acknowledgements for 
it, although it added fuel to the flame of the sad thoughts 
and feelings with which I am now constantly oppressed. 

First of all, I thought of your little circle at Lancas- 
ter and felt provoked that instead of being absorbed in 
the enjoyment of their society you should have no better 
occupation on that day than in writing to me. 

Then the already almost realized certainty that we 
shall lose you, for I feel as confident as I possibly can 
of any event not yet transpired, than an ordinance of 
secession will be rushed through the convention with 
breathless haste. The tone of the Louisiana Democrat 
ever since the presidential election has satisfied me of 
that - its last issue confirms it. Less than four weeks 
ago I proclaimed from the steps of the post-office, to an 
unusually large crowd awaiting the opening of the mail, 
that "I stood by the Union, that secession was treason," 
and no man in the crowd opened his mouth affirmatively 
or negatively, although I saw men there - lifelong Dem- 
ocrats, too -who, I knew, felt and thought as I did 
about it. A few days afterward a man who was in that 
crowd, and whose breath smells of whatever Governor 
Moore chews, told me that he was opposed to sending 
men of extreme views either way to the convention on 
Dec. 26. The same man said in my presence in Alex- 
andria that he would not vote for any man for the con- 
vention who would not pledge himself beforehand to 
put the state out of the Union before the 4th of March. 



THE COMING OF SECESSION 327 

And what men are we to vote for to that convention! 
So far as the talent and ability requisite for the occasion 
are concerned I look upon both tickets as sphinxs, having 
a common head. I shall vote for the courthouse sphinx, 
because that was made publicly in open day, by the peo- 
ple, where everybody had a chance to take a part- 
whilst the dark lantern sphinx was made nobody knows 
by whom, nobody knows where, but popped on to the 
Democratic stage by Locofoco jugglery. 

The course you have marked out for yourself I had 
anticipated. There is none other left for you. In the 
event of the convention passing an ordinance of abrupt 
secession, I do not see that there will be the slightest 
obligation on [you], or propriety in your allowing time 
for a successor. Where is he to come from at this time 
except temporarily out of the present Academic Board? 
Some of our friends will be apt to think that they have 
accomplished more than they ever contemplated, and 
may come, possibly, to the conclusion that there are 
more things between heaven and earth than were ever 
dreamt of in their philosophy. 

Having no papers or letters by yesterday's mail, I 
am very much in a mist in regard to Bob Anderson's sit- 
uation (in Fort Sumter) . I have heard that Mr. Floyd 
has resigned because he was not allowed to reinforce 
him. Am looking with intense anxiety for the mail of 
to-morrow night. I really think that Mr. Van Buren 
would have made longer strides after Gen. Jackson than 
poor old Buck. 

I have been greatly engrossed during the Holy 
Days ( ?) . The overseer for "Forked-Deer" 70 has only 
now arrived, having been to Mississippi for his wife, 
and I have no overseer at Tyrone yet, though almost 

70 One of General Graham's plantations. — Ed. 



328 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

hourly pestered with applications - so that I have the 
cares and troubles of both plantations on my hands, for 
it will take several days yet to get rid of "Forked- deer." 
Onze Heurs, et mes yeux beaucoup fatigues. 

To-morrow I must work to get all the votes I can for 
the courthouse sphinx. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Alexandria, Jan. 5, 1861. 

Sir: I have not acknowledged the receipt of the 
four kegs of cartridges. They are old, unserviceable, 
and much decayed. The powder is all caked and even 
the balls are partially damaged by the corrosion of the 
nitre. 

Still these balls can be used for our practice in the 
spring, provided the parish jury will assent to the use 
of some of the powder which I have on hand purchased 
with their money. 

I have made my annual report accompanied by state- 
ments of finances, property, etc., all of which I know 
will interest you much. I went to Alexandria on Thurs- 
day to deliver them to Dr. Smith, but he had gone up 
to Mr. McNutts and I left them with Mr. Manning. If 
you go to Alexandria, and have leisure, I would be 
pleased to hear you have given them a careful perusal. 
My report may seem to you rather short. I did feel 
much tempted to avail myself of that opportunity to 
point out the inconsistent parts of our regulations and 
also to demonstrate that we have taken a course of study 
so voluminous as to result in superficial education, but 
our country is so agitated by political questions calcu- 
lated to break down all governments, that these things 
might seem out of place. 

My duty here is plain, simple, but not so easy as one 
would suppose. I think by keeping our studies and 



THE COMING OF SECESSION 329 

duties progressing without pause or interruption, that 
I will do my share to sustain the principle of govern- 
ment that is fast giving away all over the land, the only 
principle that can save us from a general anarchy. My 
only hope for the salvation of the constitution of the 
country is in the army. The law is or should be our 
king; we should obey it, not because it meets our ap- 
proval, but because it is the law - and because obedience 
in some shape is necessary to every system of civilized 
government. For years this tendency to anarchy has 
gone on, till now every state and county and town 
through the instrumentality of juries, either regular or 
lynch, make and enforce the local prejudices as the law 
of the land. This is the real trouble, it is not slavery, 
it is the democratic spirit which substitutes mere pop- 
ular opinions for law. But I know you have bores 
enough to trouble you - and I wont add my share: but 
you will do justice to the difficulties that envelop me 
in my private relations. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO MRS. SHERMAN 

Louisiana State Seminary of Learning and Military 
Academy, Alexandria, Jan. 5, 1861. 
. . . I have finished my report and placed all the 
papers in the hands of Dr. Smith the vice-president. I 
walked into town the day before yesterday, poor Clay 
being dead and buried. Dr. Smith was away and I only 
remained a few hours. Alexandria at best is not a cheer- 
ful town, but now decidedly the reverse. Everybody 
naturally feels the danger which envelopes us all in one 
common cause. I have had nothing said to me at all, 
and I discuss the questions of the day freely with my 
equals, and try to keep my peace with loungers about the 
street corners and ferry-boat landing. I always say 
what is my real belief, that though the slavery question 



330 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

seems to be the question soon it will sink into insig- 
nificance. 

Our country has become so democratic that the mere 
popular opinion of any town or village rises above the 
law. Men have ceased to look to constitutions and law 
books for their guides, but have studied popular opin- 
ion in bar rooms and village newspapers, and that was 
and is law. The old women and grannies of New Eng- 
land, reasoning from abstract principles, must defy the 
constitution of the country, the people of the South not 
relying on the federal government must allow their peo- 
ple to favor filibustering expeditions, against the solemn 
treaties of the land; and anywhere from California to 
Maine any man could do murder, robbery or arson if 
the people's prejudice lay in that direction. And now 
things are at such a pass that no one section believes the 
other, and we are beginning to fight. 

The right of secession is but the beginning of the end ; 
it is utterly wrong and the president ought never for one 
moment to have permitted the South Carolinians to be- 
lieve he would not enforce the revenue laws and hold 
the public property in Charleston Harbor. Had he 
promptly reinforced Maj. Anderson the Charlestonians 
would have been a little more circumspect. My only 
hope is that Maj. Anderson may hold out, that more 
reinforcements may reach him, and that the people may 
feel that they can't always do as they please. Or in 
other words that they are not so free and independent 
as they think. In this view I am alone here, but I do so 
think, and will say it. .. . 

If still this Civil War should pass over I shall require 
you all to come down regardless of consequences, for 
here I must stay summer and winter, or else give it 
up. . . 



THE COMING OF SECESSION 331 

St. Louis will be paralyzed with Civil War, and Cali- 
fornia will be a foreign country. My only hope is that 
bad as things now look there may occur some escape, or 
if dissolution is inevitable that Ohio and Louisiana may 
belong to the same confederacy. I am so far out of the 
current here that I can only judge by newspapers and 
they all indicate a bias. The Louisiana convention will 
surely secede, but then the reconstruction. At all events 
I cannot do anything till that is over, if they turn me 
out I must stay and get my dues, and I will send you 
every cent I can. The house is now done and the car- 
penters leave it to-day for good. People begin to won- 
der why you don't come down, and the fact is operating 
to my prejudice, but at this time it would be imprudent 
to do so. Maybe a change may yet occur. . . 

JOHN SHERMAN TO W. T. SHERMAN 

Washington, D.C., Jan. 6, 1861. 
Dear Brother: . . . I see some signs of hope, 
but it is probably a deceptive light. The very moment 
you feel uncomfortable in your position in Louisiana, 
come away. Don't for God's sake subject yourself to 
any slur, reproach, or indignity. I have spoken to Gen- 
eral Scott, and he heartily seconds your desire to return 
to duty in the army. I am not at all sure but that, if 
you were here, you could get a position that would suit 
you. I see many of your friends of the army daily. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO MRS. SHERMAN 

Alexandria, Jan. 8, 1861. 
. . . Things are moving along with the rapidity 
of revolutions. The papers announce that the people 
of Alabama have seized the arsenals at Mobile Point, 
Fort Morgan, and above Mobile. I think similar steps 
will soon follow at the forts at the mouth of the Missis- 



332 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

sippi and Lake Pontchartrain. I have been in town 
today and had a long talk with Dr. Smith who goes next 
week to Baton Rouge to attend the meeting of the legis- 
lature and convention. He knows well my opinions; 
I have not concealed them, that I cannot do any act 
hostile to the United States. . . 

The Board is unwilling to entrust the management 
here to any one of the other professors. It takes me all 
I can do to suppress disorder and irregularity. I had 
a cadet threaten me yesterday with a loaded pistol be- 
cause I detected a whiskey jug in his room and threat- 
ened him with dismissal. He did not await trial but 
went off. Although a large majority of the cadets are 
good boys still we have some hard cases. 

From what I see in the New Orleans papers Anderson 
is still in possession of Fort Sumpter, and the general 
government has failed to reinforce him and will wait till 
he is attacked. This disgusts me and I would not serve 
such a pusillanimous government. It merits dissolu- 
tion. This fact will increase the chances of an attempt 
to prevent Lincoln's installation into office, and then we 
shall see whether the wideawakes will fight as well as 
carry cheap lamps of a night zigzagging down the 
streets 

I see every chance of long, confused, and disorganiz- 
ing Civil War, and I feel no desire to take a hand there- 
in. When the time comes for reorganization then will 
come the time. I feel anxious for your comfort and 
safety but these cannot be threatened. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO MRS. SHERMAN 

Seminary, Jan. 13, 1861. 
. . . I see no change to note here in public senti- 
ment, the fact that Seward has been named as secretary 
of state to Lincoln enables the leaders to show that their 



THE COMING OF SECESSION 333 

suspicions were right that the Republicans and aboli- 
tionists are identical. I am therefore confirmed in my 
opinion that the cotton states are off and it is an even 
chance with all the slave states. I take the Missouri 
Republican and National Intelligencer which seem to 
oppose secession but they cannot stem the torrent. 

The revolution has begun and the national govern- 
ment has shown weakness in all its attempts. Anderson 
is the only one who has acted. General Scott in sending 
reinforcements ought not to have trusted the Star of the 
West, the same in which we went to California some 
[seven?] years ago. She could not venture to receive a 
fire. Frigates and strong war steamers should have 
gone, which could have forced their way past the land 
batteries. I hope still this will be done. It will be a 
triumph to South Carolina to beat Uncle Sam. 

Still Charleston is nothing to New Orleans and I am 
satisfied the forts at the mouth 71 and the lakes 72 will be 
taken by order of Governor Moore of this state before 
they can be occupied by the U.S. All these are acts of 
war. War has begun. And it is idle to say the South 
is not in earnest. Louisiana has not yet seceded, yet the 
delegates favorable to such a course are elected, even in 
New Orleans where the Union feeling is thought to be 
strongest. I have no doubt that ultimately I will be 
turned off as unfaithful, but I must see my way clearer 
than I yet can before I leave from choice. . . 



71 Of the Mississippi. — Ed. 

72 Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Borgne. — Ed. 



IX. SECESSION -SUPERINTENDENT SHER- 
MAN RESIGNS 

Seizure of the military post and arsenal at Baton Rouge. Arms and am- 
munition sent to Sherman at the Seminary. Sherman gives notice that he will 
resign if the state secedes. Does not wish to take part in a Civil War. The 
influence of the Mississippi River on politics and commerce. Seizure of the 
forts on the Mississippi and on Lake Ponchartrain. Notification to Governor 
Moore. Thinks the war will ruin all politicians. Secession will result in 
War. Sherman prepares to return to Ohio. Secession of Louisiana. Regret 
at losing Sherman. Sherman's last official report in Louisiana. Resolutions 
of the Board of Supervisors. 

The seizure of the arms at Baton Rouge convinced Sherman 
that the State of Louisiana was certain to secede and he formal- 
ly notified Governor Moore and the supervisors of his intention 
to sever his connection with the Seminary as soon as an ordi- 
nance of secession should be passed. The convention passed the 
ordinance on January 26. During the next month Sherman 
was engaged in winding up his affairs in Louisiana, and on Feb- 
ruary 20 he left the Seminary for New Orleans where he visit- 
ed friends for a few days before going north. 

The following extract from the Memoirs [vol. i, 181] gives 
Sherman's account of the events which led to his resignation. 

Before the ordinance of secession was passed, or the 
convention had assembled . . . Governor Moore 
ordered the seizure of all the United States forts at the 
mouth of the Mississippi and Lake Pontchartrain, and 
of the United States arsenal at Baton Rouge. The forts 
had no garrisons, but the arsenal was held by a small 
company of artillery, commanded by Major Haskins, 
a most worthy and excellent officer, who had lost an arm 
in Mexico. I remember well that I was strongly and bit- 
terly impressed by the seizure of the arsenal, which oc- 
curred on January 10, 1861. 



336 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

When I first went to Baton Rouge, in 1859, en route to 
Alexandria, I found Captain Rickett's company of ar- 
tillery stationed in the arsenal, but soon after there was 
somewhat of a clamor on the Texas frontier about 
Brownsville, which induced the war department to order 
Rickett's company to that frontier. I remember that 
Governor Moore remonstrated with the secretary of war 
because so much dangerous property, composed of mus- 
kets, powder, etc., had been left by the United States un- 
guarded, in a parish where the slave population was as 
five or six to one of whites ; and it was on this official de- 
mand that the United States government ordered Has- 
kin's company to replace Rickett's. This company did 
not number forty men. 

In the night of January 9th, about five hundred New 
Orleans militia, under command of a Colonel Wheat, 
went up from New Orleans by boat, landed, surrounded 
the arsenal, and demanded its surrender. Haskins was 
of course unprepared for such a step, yet he at first re- 
solved to defend the post as he best could with his small 
force. But Bragg, who was an old army acquaintance of 
his, had a parley with him, exhibited to him the vastly 
superior force of his assailants, embracing two field- 
batteries, and offered to procure for him honorable 
terms, to march out with drums and colors, and to take 
unmolested passage in a boat up to St. Louis; alleging 
further, that the old Union was at an end, and that a just 
settlement would be made between the two new frag- 
ments for all the property stored in the arsenal. Of 
course it was Haskin's duty to have defended his post to 
the death ; but up to that time the national authorities in 
Washington had shown such pusillanimity, that the of- 
ficers of the army knew not what to do. 

The result, anyhow, was that Haskins surrendered his 



SHERMAN RESIGNS 337 

post, and at once embarked for St. Louis. The arms and 
munitions stored in the arsenal were scattered - some to 
Mississippi, some to New Orleans, some to Shreveport; 
and to me, at the Central Arsenal, were consigned two 
thousand muskets, three hundred Jager rifles, and a 
large amount of cartridges and ammunition. The in- 
voices were signed by the former ordnance-sergeant, 
Olodowski, as a captain of ordnance, and I think he con- 
tinued such on General Bragg's staff through the whole 
of the subsequent Civil War. 

These arms, etc., came up to me at Alexandria, with 
orders from Governor Moore to receipt for and account 
for them. Thus I was made the receiver of stolen goods, 
and these goods the property of the United States. This 
grated hard on my feelings as an ex-army officer, and on 
counting the arms I noticed that they were packed in the 
old familiar boxes, with the "U.S." simply scratched off. 

According to the correspondence of the next five days events 
moved rapidly with Sherman. He hears of the seizure of the 
Baton Rouge arsenal, makes up his mind to leave and at once 
begin preparations. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO MRS. SHERMAN 

Jan. 1 6, i860. 

. . . The people born and bred in the North are 
more enthusiastic in this revolution than the natives to 
the soil. 

If you want me to come away you must move to get 
me something to do. I know it is ridiculous for me to 
ask this of you, but on the other hand I would not stay 
in Ohio ten days without employment. I wrote you last 
that you might visit Louisiana with Willie and Lizzie, 
but these events are hurrying along too fast to make 
arrangements ahead. Still I doubt not I shall be here 



338 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

into February and maybe March. Though when 
Govr. Moore receives my message he may think it wise 
to get me away. Smith on the contrary wants to prove 
to me that here in Louisiana we shall have more peace 

and prosperity than in Ohio. . . has written 

me that he should take his family to Europe for safety 
and return to fight in the sacred cause of his country 
South, and against the invasion of the fanatic North. So 
you see what force religion and charity has upon the 
minds of mankind. I know millions are sincere in the 
belief that the people of the North have done a barbar- 
ous deed in voting for Lincoln. 

General Graham lays low and says nothing in these 
times, but I know he is much distressed at the hasty man- 
ner in which things are pushed. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Alexandria, Jan. 16, 1861. 
Dear General : It was my purpose to wait patiently 
for the development of events, with my mind firmly re- 
solved to do no act hostile to the United States. I had 
given full notice of such resolution to Dr. Smith and 
Governor Moore. The seizure of the forts, and worse 
still the capture of the company of U.S. soldiers at Baton 
Rouge, where they were stationed by invitation of the 
state authority for the protection of the arms and muni- 
tions of war placed there for the safety of the state, are 
regarded by me as acts of war and a breach of common 
decency. I forthwith repaired to Alexandria and noti- 
fied Dr. Smith of my opinion and that my longer stay 
here was wrong. He thinks Governor Moore had rea- 
sons for his conduct not known to the public and as he is 
on the point of going to Baton Rouge he asked me to 
forbear till he could consult, and see what is to be done. 



SHERMAN RESIGNS 339 

He says he has consulted with many, and that all under- 
stand my opinions, that as I am entrusted with the 
moneys and management of the institution he cannot ar- 
range for my relief till time is given to provide a suc- 
cessor. He is unwilling that Vallas should succeed to 
my power as superintendent - or that any one else to the 
care of the moneys. But he pledged me his word that I 
should in no wise be compromised in any act of hostility 
to the general government. 

If I had in view any occupation, by which I could 
maintain my family I would not stay, but as I have no 
such employment in view, and as I cannot receive the 
compensation fixed by law for me as superintendent of 
the central arsenal, and as I have laid by little or noth- 
ing I have consented to await awhile, to allow the legis- 
lature to appropriate the five hundred dollars due for 
last year, 73 and for a little salary to accumulate to give 
me the means of retiring to Ohio, and cast around for 
some means of support. 

These are my reasons. They may be improper and 
unsuited to the occasion, but such they are. But I do 
think that the haste with which this revolution is pushed 
must produce sad and bitter fruits. I feel no wish to 
take part in the civil strife that seems inevitable. I 
would prefer to hide myself, but necessity may force me 
to another course. Here in Louisiana you must sustain 
a large army, and its commander will soon dispose of 
your governor and legislature, and will keep them to the 
simple task of providing "ways and means." Then Gov- 
ernor Moore will maybe see that it is not so simple a 
game to play. Our friend Bragg seems to be alert, and 
most likely he will soon be your king. You could not 
have a better. 

73 For the salary of superintendent of the Arsenal. — Ed. 



340 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

However secession may be regarded as to South Caro- 
lina, it becomes a far more serious matter when we know 
that some of the most populous states are on the tribu- 
taries of the Mississippi whose mouth is now held by a 
foreign and hostile state. This of itself will turn their 
commerce by lakes and railroads eastward, and more- 
over a new feeling of interest will arise in New York 
and Baltimore to embarrass the exports from New Or- 
leans. The facility of closing the Mississippi by a single 
frigate, or by the possession of Key West or Tortugas 
will and must paralyze the trade of New Orleans. It 
may be that Louisiana honor compelled her to this 
course, but I see it not and must think it is the rash re- 
sult of excited men. Men have ceased to reason and war 
seems to be courted by those who understand not its cost 
and demoralizing results. Civilians are far more will- 
ing to start a war than military men, and so it appears 
now. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO JOHN SHERMAN 

Alexandria, Jan. 16th, 1861. 

My dear Brother : I am so much in the woods here 
that I can't keep up with the times at all. Indeed, you 
in Washington hear from New Orleans two or three days 
sooner than I do. I was taken aback by the news that 
Governor Moore had ordered the forcible seizure of the 
Forts Jackson and St. Philip, at or near the mouth of the 
Mississippi ; also of Forts Pike and Wood, at the outlets 
of Lakes Borgne and Pontchartrain. All these are 
small forts, and have rarely been occupied by troops. 
They are designed to cut off approach by sea to New Or- 
leans, and were taken doubtless to prevent their being 
occupied, by order of General Scott. 

But the taking the arsenal at Baton Rouge is a differ- 
ent matter. It is merely an assemblage of store-houses, 



SHERMAN RESIGNS 34i 

barracks, dwelling-houses 7i designed for the healthy 
residence of a garrison, to be thrown into one or the 
other of the forts in case of war. The arsenal is one of 
minor importance, yet the stores were kept there for the 
moral effect, and the garrison was there at the instance 
of the people of Louisiana. 

To surround with the military array, to demand sur- 
render, and enforce the departure of the garrison, was 
an act of war. It amounted to a declaration of war and 
defiance, and was done by Governor Moore without the 
authority of the legislature or convention. Still, there is 
but little doubt but that each of these bodies, to assemble 
next week, will ratify and approve these violent acts, and 
it is idle to discuss the subject now. The people are mad 
on this question. 

I had previously notified all that in the event of seces- 
sion I should quit. As soon as a knowledge of these 
events reached me, I went to the vice-president, Dr. 
Smith, in Alexandria, and told him that I regarded 
Louisiana as at war against the federal government, and 
that I must go. He begged me to wait until some one 
could be found to replace me. The supervisors feel the 
importance of system and discipline, and seem to think 
that my departure will endanger the success of this last 
effort to build up an educational establishment. 
You may assert that in no event will I forego my alle- 
giance to the United States as long as a single state is true 
to the old Constitution. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO GOVERNOR MOORE 

January 18, 1861. 

Sir : As I occupy a quasi-military position under the 

laws of the state, I deem it proper to acquaint you 

74 The buildings now belong to the Louisiana State University, donated 
through Sherman's influence, it is thought. — Ed. 



342 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

that I accepted such position when Louisiana was a state 
in the Union, and when the motto of this Seminary was 
inserted in marble over the main door : "By the liberal- 
ity of the general government of the United States. The 
Union - esto perpetua" 

Recent events foreshadow a great change, and it be- 
comes all men to choose. If Louisiana withdraw from 
the Federal Union, I prefer to maintain my allegiance to 
the constitution as long as a fragment of it survives and 
my longer stay here would be wrong in every sense of 
the word. 

In that event, I beg you will send or appoint some au- 
thorized agent to take charge of the arms and munitions 
of war belonging to the state, or advise me what dispo- 
sition to make of them. 

And furthermore, as president of the Board of Super- 
visors, I beg you to take immediate steps to relieve me as 
superintendent, the moment the state determines to se- 
cede, for on no earthly account will I do any act or think 
any thought hostile to or in defiance of the old govern- 
ment of the United States. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO GOVERNOR MOORE 

January 18, 1861. 
My dear Sir: I take it for granted that you have 
been expecting for some days the accompanying paper 
from me [the above official letter]. I have repeatedly 
and again made known to General Graham and Dr. 
Smith that, in event of a severance of the relations 
hitherto existing between the Confederate States of this 
Union, I would be forced to choose the old Union. It 
is barely possible all the states may secede, South and 
North, that new combinations may result, but this pro- 
cess will be one of time and uncertainty, and I cannot 
with my opinions await the subsequent development. 



SHERMAN RESIGNS 343 

I have never been a politician, and therefore under- 
value the excited feelings and opinions of present rulers, 
but I do think, if this people cannot execute a form of 
government like the present, that a worse one will result. 

I will keep the cadets as quiet as possible. They are 
nervous, but I think the interest of the state requires 
them here, guarding this property, and acquiring a 
knowledge which will be useful to your state in after- 
times. 

When I leave, which I now regard as certain, the 
present professors can manage well enough, to afford 
you leisure time to find a suitable successor to me. You 
might order Major Smith to receipt for the arms, and 
to exercise military command, while the academic exer- 
cises could go on under the board. In time, some gentle- 
man will turn up, better qualified than I am, to carry on 
the Seminary to its ultimate point of success. I entertain 
the kindest feelings toward all and would leave the state 
with much regret; only in great events we must choose, 
one way or the other. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO JOHN SHERMAN 

Alexandria, Jan. 18, 1861. 

DEAR BROTHER : Before receiving yours of the 7th, I 
had addressed a letter to Governor Moore at Baton 
Rouge, of which this is a copy: [see the preceding let- 
ters to Governor Moore]. 

I regard the seizure by Governor Moore of the 
United States Arsenal as the worst act yet committed in 
the present revolution. I do think every allowance 
should be made to southern politicians for their nervous 
anxiety about their political power and the safety of 
slaves. I think that the constitution should be liberally 
construed in their behalf, but I do regard this Civil War 



344 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

as precipitated with undue rapidity. . . It is inevi- 
table. All the legislation now would fall powerless on 
the South. You should not alienate such states as Vir- 
ginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Missouri. My notion 
is that this war will ruin all politicians, and that military 
leaders will direct the events. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO DR. S. A. SMITH, OF THE 
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS 

January 19, 1861. 

DEAR Sir: I have just finished my quarterly reports 
to the parents of all the cadets here, or who have been 
here. All my books of account are written up to date. 
All bills for the houses, fences, etc., are settled, and noth- 
ing now remains but the daily routine of recitations and 
drills. I have written officially and unofficially to Gov- 
ernor Moore, but with my opinions of the claimed right 
of secession, of the seizure of public forts, arsenals, etc., 
and the ignominious capture of a United States garrison, 
stationed in your midst, as a guard to the arsenal and for 
the protection of your own people, it would be highly 
improper for me longer to remain. 

No great inconvenience can result to the Seminary. I 
will be the chief loser. I came down two months be- 
fore my pay commenced. I made sacrifices in Kansas 
to enable me thus to obey the call of Governor Wickliffe, 
and you know that last winter I declined a most advan- 
tageous offer of employment abroad ; and thus far I have 
received nothing as superintendent of the arsenal, 
though I went to Washington and New York (at my 
own expense) on the faith of the five hundred dollars 
salary promised. 

These are small matters in comparison with those in- 
volved in the present state of the country, which will 
cause sacrifices by millions, instead of by hundreds. The 



SHERMAN RESIGNS 345 



more I think of it, the more I think I should be away, 
the sooner the better; and therefore hope you will join 
with Governor Moore in authorizing me to turn over to 
Major Smith 75 the military command here, and to the 
Academic Board the control of the daily exercises and 
recitations. 

There will be no necessity of your coming up. You 
can let Major Smith receive the few hundreds of cash 
I have on hand, and I can meet you on a day certain in 
New Orleans, when we can settle the bank account. Be- 
fore I leave, I can pay the steward Jarreau his account 
for the month, and there would be no necessity for other 
payments till about the close of March, by which time 
the Board can meet, and elect a treasurer and superin- 
tendent also. 

At present I have no class, and there will be none 
ready till about the month of May, when there will be a 
class in "surveying." Even if you do not elect a superin- 
tendent in the meantime, Major Smith could easily 
teach this class, as he is very familiar with the subject- 
matter. Indeed, I think you will do well to leave the 
subject of a new superintendent until one perfectly satis- 
factory turns up. 

There is only one favor I will ask. The Seminary 
has plenty of money in bank. The legislature will surely 
appropriate for my salary as superintendent of this arse- 
nal. Would you not let me make my drafts on the state 
treasury, send them to you, let the treasurer note them 
for payment when the appropriation is made, and then 
pay them out of the Seminary fund? The drafts will be 
paid in March, and the Seminary will lose nothing. This 
would be just to me; for I actually spent two hundred 
dollars and more in going to Washington and New 

75 Commandant of cadets. — Ed. 



346 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

York, thereby securing from the United States, in ad- 
vance, three thousand dollars' worth of the very best 
arms; and clothing and books at a clear profit to the 
Seminary of over eight hundred dollars. I may be some 
time finding new employment, and will stand in need of 
this money (five hundred dollars) ; otherwise I would 
abandon it. . . 

G. MASON GRAHAM TO W. T. SHERMAN 

Alexandria, Saturday, Jan. 19, 1861. 
Col. W. T. Sherman, Military Academy of the Inde- 
pendent State of Louisiana. 

Dear Colonel: I have been so bothered and run 
since the receipt of your last favor of recent date that I 
have not been able to reply to it, and all I can do now in 
that way is to enclose for your perusal two letters * from 
our friend Sanford which express pretty well the condi- 
tion into which the conservative people have been 
forced. 

Whatever we may think and feel we must go along 
with our section in the contest which has been forced up- 
on us, and in which we must take care of ourselves as 
best we may. For the share which designing, selfish 
politicians and editors have had in exciting the passions, 
alarming the fears, maddening the mind of the people on 
both sides, may God deal with them as they deserve. 
They have unchained winds they will be powerless to 
control. I did what I could to make the people sensible 
of this before the election, but "Crucify him! Crucify 
him!" was the Democratic cry, and now we must all go 
over the cataract together, of which I have told them. 
Those of us, if any here, who may survive the storm may 
enjoy a peaceful calm. . . 

* These letters were not found. — Ed. 



SHERMAN RESIGNS 347 



W. T. SHERMAN TO MRS. SHERMAN 

Seminary, Jan. 20, 1861. 

. . . Here is another Sunday. I have written you 
often enough of late to keep you in a perfect state of un- 
easiness, but it does seem that each day brings forth 
something new. I now have official notice that three 
thousand three hundred muskets, seventy thousand car- 
tridges, etc., are sent here from Baton Rouge, which 
must be a part of those seized by the state or otherwise 
stolen, and I must make provision for their storage. I 
must move to the new house in order to afford room for 
them in my present quarters. 

But my stay here much longer is impossible. My opin- 
ions and feelings are so radically opposed to those in 
power that this cannot last long. I send you a copy of a 
letter I wrote to Governor Moore on the 18th, on the re- 
ceipt of which he will be forced to act. I hate to lose 
that five hundred dollars but I guess it can't be helped. 
I know all about the forms of reports, returns, money ac- 
counts, etc., and no one here does, and I know of no one 
in the state that Moore can find. Still I think he will 
feel bound to place the custody of these arms in the 
hands of one more faithful to Louisiana than I profess 
to be. 

I shall expect a definite answer in a week, when I pro- 
pose to go to New Orleans and settle the bank account. 
I would then ship in some Cincinnati boat such traps as 
would not bear railroad transportation and thence by 
railroad to Cincinnati, so that it is not impossible I may 
be in Lancaster early in February. I must leave here 
with a clean record, and this can only be done in the 
manner I have pointed out to Governor Moore. He 
may endeavor to throw obstacles in my way, but I think 
not. He is too fair a man. 



348 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

I feel no desire to follow an army necessarily engaged 
in Civil War, and as we could start out of debt, it may 
be we can keep so. 

Those now in debt will suffer most, or least, for they 
will likely repudiate all debts. Down here they think 
they are going to have fine times. New Orleans a free 
port whereby she can import goods without limit or 
duties and sell to the up-river countries. But Boston, 
New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore will never con- 
sent that New Orleans should be a free port and they 
subject to duties. The most probable result will be that 
New Orleans will be shut off from all trade, and the 
South having no money 76 and no sailors cannot raise a 
blockade without assistance from England, and that she 
will never receive. 

I have letters from General Graham and others who 
have given up all hope of stemming the tide. All they 
now hope for is as peaceable a secession as can be ef- 
fected. I heard Mr. Clay's speech in 1850 on the subject 
of secession and if he deemed a peaceable secession then 
as an absurd impossibility, much more so is it now 
when the commercial interests of the North are so much 
more influential. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Seminary, January 20, 1861. 

My dear Friend : Yours of yesterday was read with 
painful interest last night along with Mr. Sanford's two, 
which I herewith return. Of course now that reason is 
powerless and the truth cannot be reached through the 
clouds of mistrust, suspicion, and mutual accusations 
which envelop us, we are all drifting together no one 
knows whither. 

I was waiting as patiently as a red-headed person 

76 So written but probably Navy is meant. — Ed. 



SHERMAN RESIGNS 349 

could, for the official acts of the convention charged 
with the destiny of Louisiana, when tidings reached me 
that Governor Moore had caused the seizure of the forts 
and arsenals, and had driven away with ignominy the 
small garrison posted among friends for the protection 
of the dangerous instruments of war. For this I see no 
justification and feel compelled to announce my deter- 
mination by letter in the terms I have previously done to 
Dr. Smith in the presence of Mr. Elgee. Dr. Smith 
gave me his personal assurance that in no event should I 
be called on to do any act compromising my national 
character and preferences. 

But fearing some unforeseen cause might render him 
powerless I resolved to move officially and therefore ad- 
dressed to Governor Moore a letter of which the sub- 
joined is a copy- and at the same time wrote him and 
Dr. Smith each, other private letters with the view to 
convey to them the personal reasons for my choice. . . 
[See pages 341-346.] 

Of course they will now make short metre of me and 
within a week I expect to be homeward bound. I have 
made all reports, returns, and letters to parents, and all 
the books are written up to date. I have asked Smith to 
meet me in New Orleans to balance the bank account, 
for I want to leave with clean hands, and they will be 
clean enough, for I have saved but little and can now 
hardly expect the legislature will appropriate for the 
rebel. 

I have notice that three thousand three hundred 
stand of arms - seventy thousand cartridges and two 
hundred carbine cartridges and belts are enroute for this 
place. I must, as long as I stay, be faithful to my trust, 
and I will take immediate steps for their safe storage, 
though it will force me to move and use this room as a 
store-house. I hope however to be relieved in time so 



350 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

that some one else will have the pleasure of receipting 
for them and accounting for them. 

My own opinion is that Lincoln will be installed in 
office - that Congress will not repeal the Union, that the 
revenues will be collected. The consequence is inevi- 
table - war, and ugly war too. I do not think the South 
will be invaded, or plain coercion attempted ; but no ves- 
sel can be cleared at New Orleans and no vessel can 
enter without paying duties outside. Commerce will 
cease unless the South can combine, organize a navy and 
fight their way, or unless she can form a treaty with our 
old enemy England. For the northern and eastern cities 
will never consent to pay duties and allow New Orleans 
to be a free port, to send into the interior goods cheaper 
than they. 

But discussion is useless. The storm is upon us, and 
we must each to our own ship. I hope I may meet you 
again but if not accept the assurances of my great affec- 
tion, respect, and admiration, and my earnest prayer that 
you and yours may long survive to look back with satis- 
faction to the time when we started the Seminary in a 
vain belief that we were serving the cause of our com- 
mon country. 

During the next two weeks Sherman completed his prepara- 
tions for leaving but was delayed by the necessity of waiting for 
the Supervisors to pass upon his accounts and to arrange for the 
payment of his salary as superintendent of the State Central 
Arsenal. The legislature, after Sherman left the state, provided 
for the deficiency. The following letters indicate plainly the 
regret felt at Sherman's departure. 

GOVERNOR MOORE TO W. T. SHERMAN 

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana, January 23, 1861. 
My DEAR Sir: It is with the deepest regret I ac- 
knowledge receipt of your communication of the 



SHERMAN RESIGNS 35 1 



1 8th inst. In the pressure of official business, I can now 
only request you to transfer to Professor Smith the arms, 
munitions, and funds in your hands, whenever you con- 
clude to withdraw from the position you have filled with 
so much distinction. You cannot regret more than I do 
the necessity which deprives us of your services, and you 
will bear with you the respect, confidence, and admira- 
tion of all who have been associated with you." . . 

BRAXTON BRAGG TO W. T. SHERMAN 

Baton Rouge, Jan. 27, 1861. 

My dear Sherman : It is with the deepest regret 
that the enclosed papers are forwarded to you. I am so 
occupied with other matters that I do not know what the 
Board of Supervisors have done or will do about your 
successor. Dr. Smith has made arrangements, I think, 
to settle your salary as ordnance officer. 

The ordinance of secession passed the convention yes- 
terday by a very large vote, and a convention of South- 
ern States will immediately meet to organize a new con- 
federacy. It will be in operation - a de facto govern- 
ment -before the 4th of March. We hope this course 
will lead to a peaceable solution of the matters. A sepa- 
ration is inevitable - nothing can prevent it now. Why 
should there be any strife over it? 

Still it is not for individuals to control these matters. 
We can only strive and hope. 

Wherever you go my fervent prayers attend you for 
success and happiness. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO MRS. SHERMAN 

Seminary, January 27, 1861. 

. . . Since my last I have three letters from 

you. . . The mails have been much disordered by a 

77 This letter is in Braxton Bragg's handwriting. - Ed. 



352 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

break on the Mississippi Railroad. In my last I sent you 
a copy of a letter written to Governor Moore, to which 
I have received no answer. 78 He is very busy indeed, 
legislature and convention both in session at Baton 
Rouge, giving him hardly time to think of the Semi- 
nary. . . 

The ordinance of Secession will pass in a day or so, 79 
but the legislature was adjourned till February 4, so 
that no business can be transacted there for some days. 
It don't take long to pull down, and everybody is striv- 
ing for the honor of pouring out the deepest insult to 
Uncle Sam. The very men who last 4th of July were 
most patriotic and exhausted their imaginations for pic- 
tures of the glories of our Union, are now full of joy and 
happiness that this accursed Union is wrecked and de- 
stroyed. 

This rapid popular change almost makes me mon- 
archist, and raises the question whether the self interest 
of one man is not a safer criterion than the wild opinions 
of ignorant men. From all I can read Missouri and 
Kentucky will go with the crowd South and will be 
more seriously affected than any other part of the coun- 
try. 

As soon as I hear from Governor Moore I will let 
you know when to expect me. I know that he, the govern- 
or, will feel inclined to get rid of me instanter, but Dr. 
Smith wants me to stay for a successor, and he has no 
successor in his mind. If he proposes I shall stay till 
March, I will feel disposed to agree to it for pecuniary 
reasons, but I think the governor will feel hurt at my 
letter, and will be disposed to get rid of me. At all 
events, my position being clearly defined I cannot be 
complicated by these secession movements. I do feel a 

78 See pages 341-343, 35°-35I--Ed. 

79 It was passed on January 26, 1861. - Ed. 



SHERMAN RESIGNS 353 

little mean at being made partially accessory to the rob- 
bing of the Baton Rouge Arsenal by receiving a part of 
the stolen property. . . 

S. A. SMITH TO W. T. SHERMAN 

Baton Rouge, January 28, 1861. 

My dear Sir: Your letter was duly received, and 
would have been answered ere this time could I have 
arranged sooner the matter of the five hundred dollars. 
I shall go from here to New Orleans to-day or to-mor- 
row, and will remain there till Saturday after next, per- 
haps. I shall expect to meet you there, as indicated in 
your note to me. 

I need not tell you that it is with no ordinary regret 
that I view your determination to leave us, for really I 
believe that the success of our institution, now almost as- 
sured, is jeopardized thereby. I am sure that we will 
never have a superintendent with whom I shall have 
more pleasant relations than those which have existed 
between yourself and me. 

I fully appreciate the motives which have induced 
you to give up a position presenting so many advantages 
to yourself, and sincerely hope that you may, in any fu- 
ture enterprise, enjoy the success which your character 
and ability merit and deserve. . . 

Colonel Bragg informs me that the necessary orders 
have been given for the transfer and receipt by Major 
Smith of the public property. 

I herewith transmit a request to the secretary to 
convene the Board of Supervisors, that they may act as 
seems best to them in the premises. 

In the mean time, Major Smith will command by 
seniority the cadets, and the Academic Board will be 
able to conduct the scientific exercises of the institution 
until the Board of Supervisors can have time to act. . . 



354 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

P.S. Governor Moore desires me to express his pro- 
found regret that the state is about to lose one who we all 
fondly hoped had cast his destinies for weal or for woe 
among us; and that he is sensible that we lose an officer 
whom it will be difficult, if not impossible, to replace. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO G. MASON GRAHAM 

Alexandria, January 31, 1861. 

Dear Sir: A meeting of the Board of Supervisors is 
called by instruction of Dr. S. A. Smith, vice-president, 
at 1 1 a.m. Saturday, February 9, in Alexandria. 

May I ask your attendance, and your influence, with 
your neighbors for their attendance, as Dr. Smith's ab- 
sence will make a quorum hard to get. 

Business of importance will be laid before you, em- 
bracing the steps made imperatively necessary, by my 
withdrawal from my present duties of superintendent 
and treasurer. 

I have a sealed letter from Dr. Smith to the Board, 
and I cannot tell whether he intends to be present or not. 

NOTE BY GRAHAM ENDORSED ON THE ABOVE 

Have you received notice to attend any such meeting? 
This letter of Colonel Sherman's is all I know about it. 
I fear Sherman is to be chiselled out of the five hundred 
dollars a year engaged to be paid him in the Arsenal 
bill of last year. That bHl authorizes it "to be paid quar- 
terly on his own warrant." The auditor, or treasurer, 
one or the other, I understand will not pay it because it 
was not in the Appropriation Bill, thanks to the expe- 
rience and sagacity of some of our friends. Once Colo- 
nel Sherman leaves here, he will neither come back, nor 
send back to ask for it. 

I am going to New Orleans, whither I have been try- 
ing to get off for more than three months. My trunk has 



*M\imm J>tei* $tmwm% of $tmm% 

AND MILITARY ACADEMY. ' 



^^L. <£L 



A_^°- 




(f^z*y c=y szuz^C (y^~— ^£>Z3fc 








>>-. * 



, o6L~f&sz^ 



Sherman's letter to General G. M. Graham 



SHERMAN RESIGNS 357 

been in Alexandria for that purpose since Sunday, and 
I must go on the "Burton" on Thursday -but I wish 
that you gentlemen would do what I should do myself 
if present: propose to and urge on the Board the passage 
of a Resolution directing the vice-president to pay 
Colonel S. the full amount due him on that score up to 
the day of his withdrawal, out of the Seminary funds, 
and then take Colonel Sherman's warrant, on the auditor 
for the amount, which when appropriated by the legisla- 
ture would thus be returned to the Seminary funds. 

The increase of his salary in that manner, was a part 
of the inducement to him to decline the appointment to 
London, and I am sure there was no intention any where 
to deceive or disappoint him, and under all the atten- 
dant circumstances now no consideration whatever 
ought to be allowed to interfere with his immediate re- 
ception of it, and I hope you gentlemen will urge and 
insist on it. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO JOHN SHERMAN 

February 1, 1861. 

. . . It is war to surround Anderson with batter- 
ies, and it is shilly-shally for the South to cry "Hands 
off! No coercion!" It was war and insult to expel the 
garrison at Baton Rouge, and Uncle Sam had better cry 
"Cavel" or assert his power. Fort Sumter is not mate- 
rial, save for the principle ; but Key West and the Tortu- 
gas should be held in force at once, by regulars, if pos- 
sible, if not, by militia. Quick! They are occupied 
now, but not in force. 

Whilst maintaining the high, strong ground you do, I 
would not advise you to interpose an objection to secur- 
ing concessions to the middle and moderate states - Vir- 
ginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Missouri. Slavery 



358 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

there is local, and even if the world were open to them, 
its extension would involve no principle. If these states 
felt the extreme South wrong, a seeming concession 
would make them committed. The cotton states are 
gone, I suppose. Of course, their commerce will be 
hampered. . . 

I sent you a copy of my letter to the governor. Here 
is his answer [see pages 350-351]. 

This is very handsome, and I do regret this political 
imbroglio. I do think it was brought about by politi- 
cians. The people in the South are evidently unanimous 
in the opinion that slavery is endangered by the current 
of events, and it is useless to attempt to alter that opinion. 
As our government is founded on the will of the people, 
when that will is fixed, our government is powerless, and 
the only question is whether to let things slide into gen- 
eral anarchy, or the formation of two or more confed- 
eracies, which will be hostile sooner or later. Still, I 
know that some of the best men of Louisiana think this 
change may be effected peaceably. But even if the 
Southern States be allowed to depart in peace, the first 
question will be revenue. 

Now, if the South have free trade, how can you col- 
lect revenues in the eastern cities? Freight from New 
Orleans to St. Louis, Chicago, Louisville, Cincinnati, 
and even Pittsburg, would be about the same as by rail 
from New York, and importers at New Orleans, having 
no duties to pay, would undersell the East if they had to 
pay duty. Therefore, if the South make good their con- 
federation and their plan, the northern confederacy 
must do likewise or blockade. Then comes the question 
of foreign nations. So, look on it in any view, I see no 
result but war and consequent changes in the form of 
government. . . 



SHERMAN RESIGNS 359 

W. T. SHERMAN TO BRAXTON BRAGG 

Seminary of Learning, Alexandria, Louisiana, Feb- 
ruary i, 1861. 

Dear Sir: ... I thank you most kindly, and 
Governor Moore through you, for the kind manner in 
which you have met my wishes. 

Now that I cannot be compromised by political 
events, I will so shape my course as best to serve the in- 
stitution, which has a strong hold on my affections and 
respect. 

The Board of Supervisors will be called for the 9th 
instant, and I will co-operate with them in their mea- 
sures to place matters here on a safe and secure basis. I 
expect to be here two weeks, and will make you full re- 
turns for moneys and property belonging to the State 
Central Arsenal. All the arms and ammunitions are 
safely stored here. Then I will write you more at length. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO MRS. SHERMAN 

Seminary, Feb. 1, 1861. 

. . . I suppose you are impatient to hear what 
next. Last night I got full letters from Baton Rouge. 
Governor Moore's is in these words [see pages35<>35i]. 

Dr. Smith, also at Baton Rouge, writes me at length. 
He says [see page 353]. 

So you see I have at least the good will of all my asso- 
ciates. I have called the Board for February 9, and ex- 
pect to leave here by or before February 20. I shall de- 
lay a while in New Orleans, not long, and get to Lancas- 
ter by March. . . If you really desire me to settle in 
Ohio you must make some exertions for I cannot abide 
there long in inactivity, and loafing. . . 

I have a good letter from Turner in which he infers 
I cannot stay here and advises me to come to St. Louis, 



3 6o SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

but points out nothing definite. He thinks Missouri will 
not secede, but if she do not they will have a severe con- 
test there, for men who own negroes are blind to all in- 
terests other than those of slavery. Reason has nothing 
to do in these times of change and revolution. Politi- 
cians start the movement and keep it alive by a process 
known to themselves, and the poor innocent people have 
nothing to do but follow their lead. It may not be so 
there, but I am not convinced. 

I see John takes bold ground. He is right. If the 
government be a reality it should defend its flag, prop- 
erty and servants. Anderson should be reinforced if it 
cost ten thousand lives and every habitation in Charles- 
ton. Also the seizure of these arsenals should be resent- 
ed and the actors made to feel that the United States is 
a reality. But the time is not yet. . . 

G. MASON GRAHAM TO W. T. SHERMAN 

Tyrone, La., Wednesday, Feb. 6, 1861. 

DEAR COLONEL: . . . Those cartridges 80 are the 
wretched (as I am sorry to learn from you they turn out 
to be) remains of my old company, "The Rapides Horse 
Guards." The vaulting ambition of a succeeding com- 
pany and the characteristic legislation of the police jury 
got the carbines, sabres, pistols, and accoutrements 
burned up; the small box of cartridges which I have 
here being perfectly sound, it had not occurred to me 
that, put up as they are, they could be damaged ; those 
you got have always remained in the railroad warehouse, 
and I am sorry to hear from you that they have become 
useless ; it is not a matter of so much consequence now 
to either of us as it was a few months ago. 

Your letters have given me much food for sad re- 
flection. I have tried in various ways, after my quiet 

80 See pages 317 and 328. — Ed. 



SHERMAN RESIGNS 361 



fashion, during thirty odd years of residence here, to do 
these people some good. The organization of this Semi- 
nary, with yourself at the head of it - I had hoped some- 
thing from it in the way of elevating their social and 
mental conditions, but it is ever casting "pearls before 
swine ;" for the future I shall "let Ephraim alone, for he 
is wedded to his idols." 

All of these proceedings! people in their sovereign 
capacity assembled in convention, and legislature in ses- 
sion at the same time! What do we want with both? - to 
make more taxes to feed hungry Locofocos. 

I have been trying for more than three months to get 
off to New Orleans. On Sunday sent my trunk to Alex- 
andria, expecting to go on Monday. Now my passage 
is taken for to-morrow on the "Burton" (couldn't go to 
the party at Joe Hynson's last night for want of clothes, 
for the road is in too impassable a condition to send for 
my trunk and then send it back again), so that I cannot 
await the uncertainty of a meeting of the board on Sat- 
urday. 

I sent yesterday your last letter, informing me of the 
call of the meeting, up to Sanford and Whittington, re- 
questing them to attend, and to insist on the passage of a 
resolution directing the vice-president to pay you your 
arsenal salary up to the day of your withdrawal, out of 
Seminary funds, and take your warrant on the auditor 
for the amount when appropriated by the legislature, to 
be thus returned to the Seminary funds. If I was cer- 
tain that there would be a full quorum and a boat on 
which I could get off on Saturday afternoon, much as it 
would inconvenience me, I should remain for this 
purpose. . . 

Sherman's last formal act as superintendent of the Seminary 
was the drafting of a special report dated in response to a legis- 



362 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 



lative resolution asking for information relative to methods of 
admission of state cadets. A few candidates for admission had 
been rejected because of lack of preparation and their relatives 
and friends had brought the matter before the state legislature, 
charging that discrimination had been made in favor of some 
cadets and against others especially against French speaking 
candidates. In his reply, Sherman stated that certain students 
had been sent home. "Parce qu'ils ne pouvaient pas lire et ecrire 
la langue anglaise, ne pouvaient pas additioner, soustraire, mul- 
tiplier et diviser les chiffres communs, et parce qu'ils n'avaient 
aucune connaissance des fractions vulgaires et decimals." The 
explanation, accompanied by documents all in French, put an 
end to the charges of favoritism. 

The Board of Supervisors reluctantly accepted Sherman's 
resignation to take effect February 28, but did not elect a suc- 
cessor. Subsequent correspondence shows that some of the su- 
pervisors were hoping that if war did not come he might be 
induced to return to Louisiana. 

S. A. SMITH TO W. T. SHERMAN 

Baton Rouge, Feb. n, 1861. 

Dear Sir : I have been in New Orleans for ten days, 
and on returning here find two letters from you, also 
your prompt answer to the resolution of the House of 
Representatives, for which I am much obliged. 

The resolution passed the last day before adjourn- 
ment. I was purposing to respond, when your welcome 
report came to hand. I have arranged to pay you five 
hundred dollars. 

I will say nothing of general politics, except to give 
my opinion that there is not to be any war. 

In the event, would it not be possible for you to be- 
come a citizen of our state? Every one deplores your 
determination to leave us. At the same time your 
friends feel that you are abandoning a position that 
might become an object of desire to any one. 

I will try to meet you in New Orleans at any time you 



SHERMAN RESIGNS 363 

may indicate; but it would be best for you to stop here, 
when, if possible, I will accompany you. . . Bring 
with you a few copies of the "Rules of the Seminary." 

RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS 

February 14, 1861. 

Sir: I am instructed by the Board of Supervisors of 
this institution to present a copy of the resolutions 
adopted by them at their last meeting: 

Resolved, that the thanks of the Board of Supervisors 
are due, and are hereby tendered, to Colonel William 
T. Sherman for the able and efficient manner in which 
he has conducted the affairs of the Seminary during the 
time the institution has been under his control - a period 
attended with unusual difficulties, requiring on the part 
of the superintendent to successfully overcome them a 
high order of administrative talent. And the Board 
further bear willing testimony to the valuable services 
that Colonel Sherman has rendered them in their ef- 
forts to establish an institution of learning in accordance 
with the beneficient design of the State and Federal 
Governments; evincing at all times a readiness to adapt 
himself to the ever-varying requirements of an institu- 
tion of learning in its infancy, struggling to attain a po- 
sition of honor and usefulness. 

RESOLVED further, that, in accepting the resignation 
of Colonel Sherman as superintendent of the State 
Seminary of Learning and Military Academy, we ten- 
der to him assurances of our high personal regard, and 
our sincere regret at the occurrence of causes that render 
it necessary to part with so esteemed and valued a friend, 
as well as co-laborer in the cause of education. 

Powhatan Clarke, secretary to the Board. 



364 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

W. T. SHERMAN TO MRS. SHERMAN 

Seminary (Sunday), Feb. 16, 1861. 

. . . I have been busy all day in making up ac- 
counts and papers and packing up. I shall leave here 
on Tuesday and will meet Dr. Smith at New Orleans by 
Friday and hope to take the cars by Saturday night for 
St. Louis. 

I expect nothing at St. Louis and go there merely to 
see old acquaintances and friends and to look at that 
little farm. I will not delay long and will be home be- 
fore the 4th March. That is I suppose the critical mo- 
ment. Much now depends on the action of that assem- 
blage in Washington 81 of which I am pleased to see 
your father is a member. Still when opinions so widely 
vary as they do it is almost impossible to discuss any 
practicable question. 

I went up the Bayou last week to visit the Lucketts, 
Sanfords, Comptons, Grahams, and Longs. All, how- 
ever were so full of northern outrages, wrongs, oppres- 
sions, etc., that 'twas useless to argue. There seems to be 
universal regret that I leave and I received [such] un- 
mistakable evidence of kindly regard that I cannot but 
feel some regret at parting. . . 



81 The Peace Convention. — Ed. 



X. TO NEW ORLEANS AND THE NORTH 

Sherman leaves the Seminary and goes to New Orleans. Settles his ac- 
count with the state of Louisiana. Politics in New Orleans. Anarchy not 
slavery the issue. Bragg is organizing regulars. Sherman writes of his 
children. His comments on the Confederate leaders and Confederate prepara- 
tions. The Seminary after Sherman left. Resolutions of the Academic Board. 
Sherman goes to St. Louis. His new duties as president of a street railway 
company. Views on slavery and secession. Not a Black Republican. The 
beginning of war. The Seminary students enlist in the Confederate Army. 
Newly elected superintendents resign. Sherman's last letter to the South. 
Conditions in the North. Predicts war and invasion. Is appointed Colonel 
of the Thirteenth United States Infantry. 

After severing his connection with the Seminary, Sherman 
spent several days in New Orleans leaving there on February 24 
for St. Louis, whence he went to his home in Lancaster, Ohio. 
Here he remained a few days and then at the request of his broth- 
er John Sherman, he visited Washington. Not pleased with the 
attitude of the administration he went back to the West, ac- 
cepted an offer of the presidency of the St. Louis street railway 
system and moved his family to St. Louis. About two months 
later, when Lincoln called for three-year volunteers he re- 
entered the army. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO D. F. BOYD 

New Orleans, Feb. 23, 1861. 
Dear Mr. Boyd: I fear from our experience here 
the cadets did not have a good time of it last night. It 
rained here a part of the day and night and now we are 
having a sort of postscript in a heavy shower. I have 
had a good deal of running about to do to-day, because I 
got here on Thursday after bank hours, and yesterday 
being a holiday it was closed, and this morning on appli- 
cation I found the book which I had sent down a week 
ago by mail only got here this morning. So I did not 



36 6 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

get it till 2 130 p.m. and Dr. Smith wanted to go to Baton 
Rouge at 5 p.m. so we gave it but a rapid examination, 
but there being a balance in bank larger than I claimed 
Dr. Smith was on the safe side in passing it. I have 
been with him to the boat, and he is off for Baton 
Rouge, and I have naught to do but be off for home. I 
shall start to-morrow, Sunday, for St. Louis to reach 
there Monday evening. 

Tell St. Ange that I found Madame Lefevre and got 
the books entered, though I was bothered by the deputy 
collector. Still I think he will soon receive the books. 
I made the custom-house oath without seeing the list 
invoice of books. I know you will expect me to tell you 
some general political news. All here is secession on 
the streets. Indoors they are more reasonable and some 
have said to me that even yet if the North will give guar- 
antees, this state would return. More than one have said 
that the leaders were afraid to leave it to a vote of the 
people. Congress can do nothing. The Peace Confer- 
ence may report. I don't see what Lincoln or any man 
can do, when sections are arrayed against each other and 
will not believe each other. 

I still adhere to my old notion that we have to fear 
anarchy more than a direct conflict on the slavery issue. 
If any of the Southern States become dissatisfied with 
the tariff policy of the new combination and I have my- 
self heard merchants talk pretty plainly of the tariff al- 
ready imposed on northern goods, they will secede a 
second time and so on to the end of the chapter. 

I have seen a good deal of Bragg who goes on quietly 
but steadily, organizing two regiments of regulars and 
mark my word when a time of strife comes he will be 
prepared. 

He tells me there is an officer at West Point whose 



TO NEW ORLEANS AND THE NORTH 367 

name I now forget, who wants to be your superinten- 
dent. But the governor has advertised for one to apply 
before April 6 -so that no choice will take place till 
then. In the mean time Dr. Smith has the check book 
and can draw for money. I really do hope you may have 
a clever fellow, for your social position is one of isola- 
tion and those who are so banished should have respect 
and even fondness for each other. There is no pleasure 
or satisfaction in life when one's associate is devoid of 
feeling, sense, or judgment. With these and a few com- 
panions I have never cared much whether my abode was 
in Wall St., San Francisco, in the Desert, in Kansas, or 
Ohio. 

But the truth is I have socially been too much isolated 
from my children, and now that they are at an age when 
for good or ill we should be together I must try and allay 
that feeling of change and venture that has made me a 
wanderer. If possible I will settle down - fast and posi- 
tive. Of a summer eve with my little Minnie and Willy 
and the rascal Tom I can live over again my Florida 
life, my ventures in California, and my short sojourn in 
the pine woods of Louisiana, and I will teach them that 
there are kind good people everywhere, that a great God 
made all the world, that He slighted no part, that to 
some He assigned the rock and fir - with clear babbling 
brooks but cold and bitter winters, to others the grassy 
plain and fertile soil, to others the rich alluvium and 
burning sun to ripen the orange and sugar cane, but 
everywhere He gave the same firmament, the same 
gentle moon, and to the inhabitants the same attributes 
for good and evil. 

What a beautiful task in theory, which may all ex- 
plode the first moment of its realization but still one to 
dream of - and I know you will believe me sincere when 



368 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

I hope, in that little group, wherever it may be, you will 
some day drop in and try my hospitality. I assure you I 
know of no gentleman whom I would more gladly re- 
ceive under my roof - because I feel you would appre- 
ciate what is good in fact, good in intention, and would 
make allowances for poverty or mismanagement. If 
present politicians break up our country, let us resolve 
to reestablish it -for the ties inter-partes ought not to 
be severed. 

On February 23 in a note to his wife Sherman wrote: "Noth- 
ing new. All secession here, and I am suspect. Am quite 
well and impatient to be off." An account of his stay in New 
Orleans is given in his Memoirs [vol. i, 189]. 

About the 20th of February, having turned over all 
property, records, and money, on hand, to Major Smith, 
and taking with me the necessary documents to make the 
final settlement with Dr. S. A. Smith, at the bank in New 
Orleans, where the funds of the institution were depos- 
ited to my credit, I took passage from Alexandria for 
that city, and arrived there, I think, on the 23d. 82 Dr. 
Smith met me, and we went to the bank, where I turned 
over to him the balance, got him to audit all my ac- 
counts, certify that they were correct and just, and that 
there remained not one cent of balance in my hands. I 
charged in my account current for my salary up to the 
end of February, at the rate of four thousand dollars a 
year, and for the five hundred dollars due me as super- 
intendent of the Central Arsenal, all of which was due 
and had been fairly earned, and then I stood free and 
discharged of any and every obligation, honorary or 
business, that was due by me to the State of Louisiana, or 
to any corporation or individual in the state. 

This business occupied two or three days, during 

82 The 22nd. - Ed. 



TO NEW ORLEANS AND THE NORTH 369 

which I staid at the St. Louis Hotel. I usually sat at 
table with Colonel and Mrs. Bragg, and an officer who 
wore the uniform of the State of Louisiana, and was ad- 
dressed as captain. Bragg wore a colonel's uniform, and 
explained to me that he was a colonel in the state service, 
a colonel of artillery, and that some companies of his 
regiment garrisoned Forts Jackson and St. Philip, and 
the arsenal at Baton Rouge. 

Beauregard at the time had two sons at the Seminary 
of Learning. I had given them some of my personal 
care at the father's request, and, wanting to tell him of 
their condition and progress, I went to his usual office 
in the Custom-House Building, and found him in the 
act of starting for Montgomery, Alabama. Bragg said 
afterward that Beauregard had been sent for by Jeffer- 
son Davis, and that it was rumored that he had been 
made a brigadier-general, of which fact he seemed jeal- 
ous, because in the old army Bragg was the senior. 

. . . I recall a conversation at the tea-table, one 
evening, at the St. Louis Hotel. When Bragg was 
speaking of Beauregard's promotion, Mrs. Bragg, turn- 
ing to me, said, "You know that my husband is not a 
favorite with the new president." My mind was resting 
on Mr. Lincoln as the new president, and I said I did 
not know that Bragg had ever met Mr. Lincoln, when 
Mrs. Bragg said, quite pointedly, "I didn't mean your 
president, but our president." I knew Bragg hated 
Davis bitterly, and that he had resigned from the army 
in 1855, or 1856, because Davis, as secretary of war, had 
ordered him, with his battery, from Jefferson Barracks, 
Missouri, to Fort Smith or Fort Washita, in the Indian 
country, as Bragg expressed it, "to chase Indians with 
six-pounders." 

I visited the quartermaster, Colonel A. C. Myers, 



370 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

who had resigned from the army, January 28, 1861, and 
had accepted service under the new regime. His office 
was in the same old room in the Lafayette Square Build- 
ing, which he had in 1853, wnen I wa s there a commis- 
sary, with the same pictures on the wall, and the letters 
"U.S." on every thing, including his desk, papers, etc. 
I asked him if he did not feel funny. "No, not at all. 
The thing was inevitable, secession was a complete suc- 
cess ; there would be no war, but the two governments 
would settle all matters of business in a friendly spirit, 
and each would go on in its allotted sphere, without 
further confusion." . . 

I walked the streets of New Orleans, and found busi- 
ness going along as usual. Ships were strung for miles 
along the lower levee, and steamboats above, all dis- 
charging or receiving cargo. The Pelican flag of Louis- 
iana was flying over the Custom House, Mint, City 
Hall, and everywhere. At the levee ships carried every 
flag on earth except that of the United States, and I was 
told that during a procession on the 22d of February, 
celebrating their emancipation from the despotism of 
the United States government, only one national flag 
was shown from a house, and that the house of Cuthbert 
Bullitt, on Lafayette Square. He was commanded to 
take it down, but he refused and defended it with his 
pistol. 

The only officer of the army that I can recall, as being 
there at the time, who was faithful, was Colonel C. L. 
Kilburn, of the Commissary Department, and he was 
preparing to escape north. 

Everybody regarded the change of government as 
final; that Louisiana, by a mere declaration, was a free 
and independent state, and could enter into any new al- 
liance or combination she chose. 



TO NEW ORLEANS AND THE NORTH 371 

Men were enlisted and armed, to defend the state, and 
there was not the least evidence that the national admin- 
istration designed to make any effort, by force, to vindi- 
cate the national authority. I therefore bade adieu to all 
my friends, and about the 25th of February took my de- 
parture by railroad, for Lancaster, 83 via Cairo and Cin- 
cinnati. 

F. W. SMITH TO W. T. SHERMAN 

Seminary, March 1, 1861. 

My dear Major: Your letter from New Orleans 
was received on Monday night. . . Will do all I 
can to carry out your suggestions. 

The Board met yesterday, left things in statu quo, and 
appointed Dr. Clarke temporary treasurer. The ball 
went off very well, the cadets conducting themselves 
with great propriety, though to a certain extent with 
bashfulness. Last night one or more of the cadets stole 
the mouthpieces to all the instruments of music in the 
building and cut the drum to pieces. So Joe Miller has 
been filling blank cartridges all day from an old bronze 
musket, Cleland having gone to town to repair damages. 
On the day after your departure, Mr. Vallas inaugu- 
rated himself, and issued all the winter pants. Conse- 
quently a new cadet who has just come in has none at all. 
There was a strong run among the cadets for dimes, 
many professing that they had not had any for four 
months. 

All of my chemicals have come. I shall send Van 
Nostrand a check in a day or so. St. Ange is grumbling 
as usual, Vallas having found it necessary to threaten 
him with a report to the Board. Said report St. Ange 
anticipated by a complaint for redress of grievances, 

83 Sherman went first to St. Louis, where he stopped for a few days before 
going on to Ohio. — Ed. 



372 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

which grievances had prevented his blackboards and 
windows from being mended, and had not allowed him 
to have O. O. Blair in French, etc. The Board sent his 
petition back and the Academic Board meet this even- 
ing for considering it. What nonsense! 

SATURDAY. I was interrupted just at this point and 
recommence my letter. The Board met last night and 
decided that Mr. St. A's communication involved no 
point requiring their action. Mr. Vallas will satisfy 
him by buying the books. The mail is just in, bringing 
Boyd your letter, for which he thanks you ; also one from 
Bragg sending two thousand cartridges, and inquiring 
if we have any cadets suitable for junior lieutenants. I 
have not determined what to write to him, as we could 
ill spare our best at the present time. 

When you left, Major, I wished to thank you for 
many an act of kindness and forbearance that you had 
shown me. But really my heart was so full, that I could 
not speak. I have often been petulant and perhaps as- 
suming towards you all and I could have received no 
kinder rebuke than the manner which you have always 
displayed towards me. I look with deep regret upon the 
fact that the relations, which have subsisted between us, 
and which have been so pleasant and profitable for me, 
should have been broken off. And I yet hope that we 
may meet somewhere and those feelings of respect and 
friendship, which I shall always have for you, may re- 
assume a tangible shape. 

You will allow me to present my warm regards to 
Mrs. Sherman and the children -to express my regret 
that I was denied the pleasure which I had often antici- 
pated, of forming their acquaintance, and I sincerely 
hope and pray that, whether you settle down with Min- 
nie and Willy on your knee, or again become a "Wan- 
derer," God will bless you and yours. 



TO NEW ORLEANS AND THE NORTH 373 

Clark, Boyd, and the Jarreaus join me in warm 
regards. 

S. A. SMITH TO W. T. SHERMAN 

Baton Rouge, La., March nth, 1861. 

My DEAR Sir: I was most pleased in receiving your 
letter from St. Louis and gratified to learn some of your 
opinions upon existing questions formed while you sur- 
veyed the field from a new, and to us, opposite stand- 
point. 

I inferred from reading your note that there would 
be no policy of coercion at present. At this I expe- 
rienced a feeling of relief in a moment as I relied upon 
your judgment and the correctness of your observation. 

The abstract questions of right and title which in our 
new positions would have to be maintained by final 
arbitrament of arms, lose their interest in the face of the 
consequences immediately before us should your side at 
this time institute an appeal to this final arbiter. It is 
certain that our people are in dead earnest when they 
declare that they have a right to secede and furthermore 
that they intend to exhaust all the elements at their dis- 
posal in the maintenance of this position should it be 
assailed from any quarter. 

Whether we succeed or not in resisting the applica- 
tion of force, the conflict would be a disgrace. It would 
be a blot upon our page in the history of the world and 
would be proclaimed elsewhere as the end of the final 
experiment in determining the capacity of any people 
for self-government. 

It would lead to the creation and perfecting of large 
standing armies, and you know better than I that the 
principles of popular government could not stand 
against the interests of an overwhelming military estab- 
lishment on either side. 



374 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

To those whose belief in the excellence of our liberal 
institutions - won by so many trials and sacrifices - 
amounts to a religious faith, such a prospect is appall- 
ing. 

Therefore let the good men of both sections exert all 
their influence in preventing and removing all causes of 
collision. Succeeding in this, every sincere Democrat 
will be confident that the people will in some way ar- 
range all matters of difference in some satisfactory man- 
ner. 

I have nothing of interest to communicate. The 
Seminary seems to go on as you left it. I had a letter 
from my wife expressing her regret at our losing you 
and telling me that even little Ledoux begged you to 
stay. These feelings conformed to my own and exhibit 
in a striking manner the results of late political events. 

I have been looking for some reports that might inter- 
est you and will send you a package. There is one from 
the Judiciary Committee advocating a change in rela- 
tion to the law of evidence which I commend to 
your notice as exceedingly able, beautiful, and excellent. 
It is the production of one of our first lawyers, Mr. Ran- 
dal Hunt. 

I shall hope that you will continue to keep me posted 
as to your movements and particularly as to your final 
decision upon a place to settle and the business which 
you resolve to engage in. At the same time I shall be 
most happy to be able to keep you informed upon any 
subject which may interest you down here. 

I agree with you that our interest will finally deter- 
mine our feelings and farther that the people will fi- 
nally settle the whole matter when they have been 
allowed time to consider and understand the questions 
at issue. 



TO NEW ORLEANS AND THE NORTH 375 

I would be glad if you could consistently with duty 
give me freely and frankly your opinions as to the prob- 
able line of policy which will be pursued by Lincoln's 
administration when you have had the opportunity of 
ascertaining pretty certainly what it will be. I will 
promise to respond in like manner as to our course as 
such interchanges between honest men can have no other 
than a good effect. 

With every wish for your prosperity. 

RESOLUTIONS OF THE ACADEMIC BOARD 
APRIL, 1, 1861 

RESOLVED, that in the resignation of the late superin- 
tendent Colonel W. T. Sherman, the Academic Board 
deem it not improper to express their deep conviction 
of the loss the institution has sustained in being thus de- 
prived of an able head. They cannot fail to appreciate 
the manliness of character which has always marked the 
actions of Colonel Sherman. While he is personally en- 
deared to many of them as a friend they consider it their 
high pleasure to tender to him in this resolution their 
regret on his separation, and their sincere wish for his 
future welfare. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO D. F. BOYD 

Office St. Louis Railroad Company, St. Louis, April 
4, 1861. 

My dear Friend : I promised you all to keep you ad- 
vised of my whereabouts that we may interchange from 
time to time the thoughts and feelings of respect and af- 
fection which I feel assured still subsists between us. 

By the caption of this letter you will see me in a rail- 
road office, of which I am the president with a salary of 
two thousand dollars. I have my entire family in a good 
house, 226 Locust St., with plenty of room and a hearty 



376 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

welcome for friends who come to me from the four 
quarters of the globe, and I will believe that you, or 
Smith, or the Doctor, 84 yea Mr. St. Ange, may some 
summer come up to this great city, the heart of North 
America, and see me and mine. 

I acted with energy, went to Washington, satisfied 
myself that Lincoln was organizing his administration 
on pure party principles, concluded it was no place for 
me who profess to love and venerate my whole country 
and not a mere fraction - and forthwith to Lancaster, 
pulled up stakes, to Cincinnati, and embarked all hands, 
with carpets, chairs, beds, kitchen utensils, even my 
household servants, and before one month of my vacat- 
ing my berth in Louisiana, I was living in St. Louis. 

I see my way ahead for one year and must trust to the 
future, and having an abundance of faith in St. Louis 
with its vast fertile surrounding country, I feel no uneas- 
iness. My two eldest girls are in a Catholic school and 
this morning I put my boy Willy in a public school, so 
that with the exception of some trifling articles of fur- 
niture I am settled. 

My duties here are clearly within my comprehension, 
and indeed I think I can actually make myself more 
than useful to the stockholders by giving personal atten- 
tion, which heretofore has devolved on hirelings. In 
politics I do not think I change with country. On the 
negro question I am satisfied there is and was no cause 
for a severance of the old Union, but will go further and 
say that I believe the practice of slavery in the South is 
the mildest and best regulated system of slavery in the 
world, now or heretofore. But, as there is an incongru- 
ity in black and white labor, I do think in the new 
territories the line of separation should be drawn before 
rather than after settlement. As to any guarantees I 

8 * Doctor Clarke. -Ed. 



TO NEW ORLEANS AND THE NORTH 377 

would favor any approved by Rives, Bell, Crittenden 
and such men whose patriotism cannot be questioned. 

On the question of secession however I am ultra. I 
believe in coercion and cannot comprehend how any 
government can exist unless it defend its integrity. The 
mode and manner may be regulated by policy and wis- 
dom, but that any part of a people may carry off a part 
of the common territory without consent or purchase 
I cannot understand. Now I know as well as I can 
know anything uncertain that Louisiana cannot belong 
to a string of Southern States. She must belong to a 
system embracing the Valley States. It may be those 
Valley States may come to Louisiana, but ultimately 
one way or another, the Valley of the Mississippi must 
be under one system of government. Else quarrels, 
troubles, and confusions, worse than war, will be con- 
tinuous. 

My brother John is now senator, and quite a man 
among the Republicans, but he regards me as erratic 
in politics. He nor politicians generally can under- 
stand the feelings and opinions of one who thinks him- 
self above parties, and looks upon the petty machinery 
of party as disgusting. 

There are great numbers here who think like me, and 
at the election here a few days ago the Black Republi- 
cans were beaten, because the country expected of Mr. 
Lincoln a national and not a party government. Had 
the Southern States borne patiently for four years, they 
could have had a radical change in 1864 that might 
have lasted twenty years. Whereas now, no man is wise 
enough to even guess at future combinations. 

I hope you are all well, that the Seminary continues 
to prosper, that you have a clever superintendent, and 
that one day not far distant we may sail under the same 
flag. My best respects to the Jarreaus and all friends. 



378 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

Early in April Sherman was offered the chief clerkship in 
the War Department with the promise of being made assistant 
secretary of war when congress met. He declined the offer. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO MONTGOMERY BLAIR 

I received about nine o'clock Saturday night, your 
telegraphic dispatch, which I have this moment an- 
swered, "I cannot accept." 

I have quite a large family, and when I resigned my 
place in Louisiana, on account of secession, I had no 
time to lose ; and, therefore, after my hasty visit to Wash- 
ington, where I saw no chance of employment, I came 
to St. Louis; have accepted a place in this company, 
have rented a house, and incurred other obligations, so 
that I am not at liberty to change. 

I thank you for the compliment contained in your 
offer, and assure you that I wish the administration all 
success in its almost impossible task of governing this 
distracted and anarchical people. 

S. A. SMITH TO W. T. SHERMAN 

Alexandria, April 24, 1861. 

My DEAR Sir : I am in receipt of your very welcome 
letter announcing your determination to settle in St. 
Louis. 

How much I hope that you will be able to come to 
the conclusion that your adopted state is right in oppos- 
ing herself to the mad career of the Union Splitter and 
his fanatical crew. How delighted we all should be to 
hear that in the coming contest we might boast of the 
possession of your fine talents and high military quali- 
ties. How freely we would furnish you with the means 
and the men to do anything possible in the line of your 
profession. 

Our state will furnish without an effort the requisi- 



TO NEW ORLEANS AND THE NORTH 379 

tion made upon her of ten thousand men. A 
large force for her population. John Kelso left 
in command of one hundred muster men this 
morning, containing my nephew together with Rob- 
ertson's two sons and nephew. 

Manning, myself and others similarly situated have 
joined another which will be ready in a few days. 

Caddo Parish has already sent forward two large 
companies, one of which is already in Pensacola. . . 

I see the Northern States are coming forward with 
equal unanimity upon their side, so we may calculate 
upon a gigantic and horrible war waged by brother 
against brother. 

Is it not a pity that some foreign power could [not] 
have been selected against which to direct the forces 
now about to be applied to the purposes of self-destruc- 
tion. 

The Seminary boys after all the exertions we were 
able to make are all bolting. I went out yesterday and 
made them a speech and appealed to them in the interest 
of the public and their own interest and also urged their 
obligation to perform military duty. It had little or no 
effect. Finally I took young Stafford out and as the 
friend of his father begged him not to act foolish. He 
promised me to remain. To-day he is a volunteer in the 
same company with myself. 

The Seminary will evidently be soon abandoned for 
a time at least. Lieut. Col. Lay was chosen as your 
successor and I am just in receipt of his resignation. 
Smith has also given notice of his intention to resign, 
so you see we are in a sad plight. 

I am just now offering your former place to Capt. 
W. R. Boggs, whom Bragg insisted upon our choosing 
in the first instance, recommending him by saying that 



3 8o SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

he was the only person who in his opinion could fill the 
place of Sherman or could stand in his shoes. 

I should be obliged if you could find time to write 
occasionally. . . 

W. T. SHERMAN TO JOHN SHERMAN 

Office St. Louis Railroad Company, St. Louis, April 
25, 1861. 

Dear BROTHER : Virginia's secession influences some 
six millions of people. No use in arguing about it at 
all, but all the Virginians, or all who trace their lineage 
back, will feel like obeying her dictates and example. 
As a state, she has been proud, boastful, and we may say 
over-bearing; but, on the other hand, she, by her gov- 
ernors and authority, has done everything to draw her 
native-born back to their state. 

I can not yet but think that it was a fatal mistake in 
Mr. Lincoln not to tie to his administration by some 
kind of link, the border states. Now it is too late, and 
sooner or later Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas will 
be in arms against us. It is barely possible that Mis- 
souri may yet be neutral. 

It is pretty nearly determined to divert the half mil- 
lion set aside for the July interest for arming the state. 85 
All the bankers but one have consented, and the govern- 
or and legislature are strongly secession. I understand 
to-day the orders at the custom house are to refuse clear- 
ance to steamboats to seceding states. All the heavy 
trade with groceries and provisions is with the South, 
and this order at once takes all life from St. Louis. 
Merchants heretofore for peace, and even for backing 
the administration will now fall off, relax in their exer- 
tions, and the result will possibly be secession, and then 
free states against slave - the horrible array so long 

85 Missouri. — Ed. 



TO NEW ORLEANS AND THE NORTH 381 

dreaded. I know Frank Blair desired this plain, square 
issue. It may be that sooner or later it is inevitable, but 
I cannot bring myself to think so. On the necessity of 
maintaining a government and that government the old 
constitutional one, I have never wavered, but I do recoil 
from a war, when the negro is the only question. 

I am informed that McClellan is appointed to com- 
mand the Ohio militia - a most excellent appointment; 
a better officer could not be found. 

W. T. SHERMAN TO D. F. BOYD 

St. Louis, May 13, 1861. 

My dear Friend : I have been intending for a long 
while to answer your last very kind letter. I suppose 
you still receive papers from New Orleans and Virginia 
giving tolerably fair versions of the events which are 
now passing all around us. We are now by Declara- 
tion of the Confederate Congress and by act of our own 
constituted authorities enemies, and I can not yet real- 
ize the fact. I know that I individually would not do 
any human being a wrong, take from him a cent, or 
molest any of his rights or property, and yet I admit 
fully the fact that Lincoln was bound to call on the 
country to rally and save our constitution and govern- 
ment. Had I responded to his call for volunteers I 
know that I would now be a Major-general. But my 
feelings prompted me to forbear and the consequence 
is my family and friends are almost cold to me, and 
they feel and say that I have failed at the critical mo- 
ment of my life. It may be I am but a chip on the 
whirling tide of time destined to be cast on the shore as 
a worthless weed. 

But I still think in the hurly burly of strife, order and 
system must be generated, and grow and strengthen till 
our people come out again a great and purified nation. 



382 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

Lincoln is of right our president and has the right to 
initiate the policy of our government during his four 
years, and I believe him sincere in his repeated declara- 
tions that no dismemberment shall be even thought of. 
The inevitable result is war, and an invasive war. 

I know that masses of men are organizing and dis- 
cipling to execute the orders of this government. They 
are even now occupying the key points of our country; 
and when prepared they will strike. Not in detached 
columns battling with an excited people, but falling on 
exposed points. Already is Missouri humbled; I have 
witnessed it; my personal friends here, many of them 
southern, admit that Missouri's fate is sealed. There 
was a camp of about one thousand five hundred young 
men, who though seemingly assembled by state authority 
were yet notoriously disaffected to the government and 
were imprudent enqugh to receive into their camp a 
quantity of the arms from Baton Rouge, brought up as 
common merchandise. This justified the government 
forces here, regulars and militia, to surround and cap- 
ture the whole. For a time intense excitement prevailed, 
but again seeming peace has come. The governor and 
state authorities are southern by birth and feeling and 
may make some spasmodic efforts to move, but they will 
be instantly overcome. Superior arms and numbers 
are the elements of war, and must prevail. 

I cannot yet say if Lincoln will await the action of his 
Congress in July. I think he will as to any grand move- 
ment, but in the meantime Virginia, Louisiana, and 
Missouri, will be held or threatened, I have no doubt a 
hundred thousand disciplined men will be in Louisiana 
by Christmas next. The Mississippi River will be a 
grand theater of war, but not till the present masses are 
well disciplined. It is horrible to contemplate but it 
cannot be avoided. 



TO NEW ORLEANS AND THE NORTH 383 

No one now talks of the negro. The integrity of the 
Union and the relative power of state and general gov- 
ernment are the issues in this war. Were it not for the 
physical geography of the country it might be that peo- 
ple could consent to divide and separate in peace. But 
the Mississippi is too grand an element to be divided, 
and all its extent must of necessity be under one govern- 
ment. Excuse these generalisms - we have said them 
a thousand times. 

I was sorry to hear from Dr. Smith that further dis- 
affection had crept into your institution. I fear for the 

present it will be swept by the common storm. 

was not the man, and it is well he has declined. Cer- 
tainly there must be within reach, some good man to 
manage so easy a machine. I think the machine should 
be kept together, even on the smallest scale. Joe Miller 
writes me that the arms 86 have been sent off and there- 
fore his occupation gone. I will write if he cannot 
stay to return to his brother in Ohio and not go to Cali- 
fornia as he seems to think about. 

I am still here with this road and my family living at 
226 Locust St. No matter what happens I will always 
consider you my personal friend, and you shall ever be 
welcome to my roof. Should I be wrong in my con- 
clusions of this terrible anarchy and should you come to 
St. Louis, I know you will be pleased with the many 
objects of interest hereabouts. Give to all the assurance 
of my kindest remembrance and accept for yourself my 
best wishes for your health and success in life. 

On the next day, May 14, Sherman received a telegram stat- 
ing that he had been appointed Colonel of the Thirteenth Unit- 
ed States Infantry. No more letters passed between him and 
his southern friends until after the war. 

A month after Sherman resigned and went north, the Super- 

86 Stored in the Seminary Arsenal. — Ed. 



384 SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 

visors elected Colonel George W. Lay as superintendent, but 
he resigned before taking charge. Then Captain William R. 
Boggs was elected but given leave of absence for the war, while 
Dr. Vallas was made superintendent pro tern for the rest of the 
session of 1861. Professors Smith, Boyd, and Clarke resigned 
in May, 1861, to enter the Confederate service, though Boyd 
was prevailed upon to remain until the end of the session in June. 
The cadets began to leave in April and before June more than 
half had gone into the Confederate regiments. 

During the war the Seminary under acting superintendents, 
first Rev. W. E. M. Linfield and next Prof. William A. Seay, 
held two partial sessions — one in 1862 and one in 1862-1863. 
The student body was disbanded in April, 1863, when Banks 
came up the Red River Valley. The only regular professors 
during the war period were Vallas and St. Ange. Most of the 
students were boys under eighteen. In 1864 during Banks's 
second invasion of central Louisiana the books, furniture and 
equipment of the Seminary were carried away by the Federals. 

All of the students who were old enough, except Cadet 
Taliaferro, entered the Confederate army. Taliaferro enlisted 
in the Union navy. Numbers were killed and wounded or died 
in prison. Professor Smith was killed on Lee's retreat to Appo- 
mattox. Professors Boyd and Clarke served throughout the 
war. Sherman was able to render aid to several of the students 
and professors who were captured in battle and in 1864 by flag 
of truce a party of them in Louisiana sent to him a letter of 
thanks for his kindness. In the fall of 1865 the Seminary was 
reopened under the superintendency of Colonel D. F. Boyd the 
only member of the ante bellum faculty who returned to the 
school. General Graham continued his active interest in the 
Seminary (called after 1870 the State University) until his 
death in 1887. Sherman visited the institution twice in later 
years and was able to befriend it in many ways. Among other 
things he was influential in securing for it the grant from the 
government of the garrison grounds and buildings at Baton 
Rouge. It was the seizure by the state of this post that caused 
Sherman to resign in 1861. On January 2, 1910, Louisiana 
State University celebrated the semi-centennial anniversary of the 
opening of the institution. 



INDEX 



Abolition movement: 43-45, 88; abo- 
litionists, disliked, 64, 297 ; Sherman 
disclaims, 76 ; Sherman's stand, 84- 
85 ; John Sherman not abolitionist, 
121; regarded as, 173; Seward fav- 
ors, 260-261 ; Republicans' interest, 
232, 305 ; Republicans and abolition- 
ists identical, 333; topic avoided, 
128 ; effect in South, 77 ; effect in 
country, 78; South hates, 176; South 
and North equally to blame, 103 ; 
impracticable, 272-273 ; gaining 
strength, 287; strong in northern 
Ohio, 259 ; cause of secession, 302 ; 
cause of crisis, 310; see Slavery 

Alabama: 212; ready for secession, 
306, 307, 308 ; determined on seces- 
sion, 319; taking active steps to- 
ward secession, 331. Cities — Mo- 
bile, 331; Montgomery, 369 

Alexandria (La.) : 13, 14, 16, 19, 23, 
29, 30, 32, 33. 43, 55, 56, 57, 5?, 60, 
63, 74, 84, 87, 95, 128, 129, 143, 153, 
160, 161, 192, 194, 209, 211, 231, 236, 
244, 246, 259, 271, 281, 284, 288, 291, 
295, 319, 326, 327, 368; described, 
21-22 ; region healthful, 46 ; Sherman 
arrives, 56; few supplies in, 69, 70, 
78, 91, 92, 202; burning threatened, 
273 ; majority favor Breckenridge, 
304; conditions in, 329 

Alexandria Constitutional: editorial, 

273 
Alleghany Mts: 89 
Anderson, Robert: 315, 316, 319, 327, 

330, 333, 357; Sherman commends, 

325; remains at Fort Sumter, 332; 

should be Teinforced, 318, 360 
Anderson, Mrs. Robert: appeals to 

president, 323 



Arizona: 290 

Arkansas : 306 ; ready for secession, 
308 ; secession probable, 380 

Arsenal (state) : created and main- 
tained at seminary, 72, 131, 163, 
168, 169, 173, 176, 188-189, 315; at 
Baton Rouge seized, 325, 335, 336, 
337, 338, 340-341, 343, 347, 353, 360, 
369, 382; command, 336; supplies 
scattered, 337 

Bailey, Dr. — : 166, 200 

Bailey, Gen. — : 240 

Baltimore (Md.) : 232, 272, 340, 348; 
news of panic, 308 

Banks, Gen. N. P: 40, 109, 287, 384 

Barnard, Major — : 59 

Bates, — : 213 

Bayou Rapides: 14, 56, 57 

Bayou Robert: 14, 56, 297; Sherman 
plans to visit, 240 

Bayou Sara: 98 

Baton Rouge (La.) : n, 14, 19, 20, 
37, 40, 42, 45, 47, 48, 52, 55, 56, 80, 
81, 99, 107, 118, 131, 158, 166, 179, 
184, 185, 187, 200, 237, 238, 243, 332, 
357, 366, 384; Sherman to arrive, 
43; Sherman visits, 167; Sherman 
visits on seminary business, 168-179; 
arsenal, 369; arsenal seized, 325, 
335, 336, 337, 338, 340-341, 343, 347, 
353, 360, 369, 382; seizure of arms, 
335; convention of legislature, 311, 

315 

Beauregard, Henry (son of succeed- 
ing) : enters seminary, 298 ; to pre- 
pare for West Point, 242, 298 

Beauregard, P. G. T: 15, 26, 98; ig- 
norant of Sherman's application for 
superintendence, 23 ; applies for ad- 



386 



SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 



mission of sons, 55 ; sends son to 
seminary, 100; son to prepare for 
West Point 242 ; sends nephew to 
seminary, 182; sends sons, 298; sends 
money for son and friend, 242; un- 
able to attend examinations, 242 ; 
suggests successor to Sherman, 198 ; 
escapes West Point superintendency, 
242; Jefferson Davis sends for, 369; 
letters, 100, 182, 198, 242, 298 

Beauregard, Rene T. (son of preced- 
ing) : enters seminary, 100, 298 ; as- 
sistant in French, 298 

Bell, John (candidate for presiden- 
cy) : 258, a6o, 304, 377; chance of 
election, 261; Sherman favors, 280; 
favored in South, 271, 286; favored 
in Louisiana, 296; Louisiana sup- 
ports, 288 

Biossat, Mr. — : 188 

Blair, Frank: 381 

Blair, O. O: 372 

Blondin, Mr. — : 275-276 , 

Bogan, — (cadet) : 209 

Boggs, Capt. Wm. R: 379; elected 
superintendent of seminary, 384 

Boston (Mass.) : 260, 348 

Boyce, Mr. — (editor of Red River 
American): 58, 70, 238; to publish 
article for seminary, 273 

Boyce, Judge Henry: 48, 56, 193, 195, 
211, 319 

Boyd, David F. (member of first fac- 
ulty) : 32, 78, 122, 127, 128, 142, 151, 
152, 200, 207, 208, 264, 319, 373; 
elected member of faculty, 25, 26; 
describes Sherman's election, 26-29 > 
characteristics, 101 ; left in charge 
during vacation, 247, 250; reports 
to Sherman, 270-271, 284; offers to 
assist Vallas, 276 ; opinion of Sher- 
man's views, 287 ; favors secession, 
307; enters Confederate service, 384; 
served throughout war, 384; sem- 
inary reopens under, 384; letters, 
270, 287; Sherman invites to visit, 
368 



Boyd, Mrs. David F: 11 

Boyd, Leroy S: 11 

Boyd, Thomas D: iz 

Bragg, Braxton: 15, 26, 59, 76, 124, 
130. 145. 156, 168, 172, Z76, 177, z8o, 
2I 3» 353 i ignorant of Sherman's ap- 
plication for superintendency, 23 ; 
welcomes Sherman, 52-54; friend of 
Sherman, 80; appointed commis- 
sioner of Public Works, 80-8 z; in- 
terest in seminary, 8z, 90, 236, 298, 
299-301 ; favors military system, 
Z69, 218-219; desires Sherman to re- 
main, 175 ; invited to act as orator, 
239; wishes to secure battery for 
seminary, 243, 274, 300-30Z ; sends 
cartridges, 372; persuades Major 
Haskins to surrender arsenal, 336; 
probable king of La., 339; Sherman 
regrets resignation, 35Z; prepares 
for war, 366; dislikes Jefferson 
Davis, 369; colonel in state's ser- 
vice, 369; recommends successor to 
Sherman, 379; letters, 52, 80, z6z, 
2z8, 236, 299, 3Z9, 35Z 

Bragg, Mrs. Braxton: 83, 369 

Breckenridge, John C. (candidate for 
presidency) : 258; South favors, 245, 
286, 290; loses state vote, 26z ; South 
Carolina favors, 272, 288 ; carries 
Alexandria, 304 

Brown> John: 43-44. 45, 47 

Buchanan, James: 241, 3Z6, 3Z8 

Buell, Major Don Carlos: 34, 35, z8o, 
156, 253 ; recommends Sherman, Z3 ; 
notifies Sherman of seminary posi- 
tion, 22-23 » letter, 22 

Bullitt, Cuthbert: displays U. S< flag, 
370 

Bynum, Jesse A: 24, 64 

Caddo Parish: 379 

Cadets: applications, 66, 69, 273; ap- 
pointed by supervisors, 79 ; number 
expected, 73 ; number enrolled, 94, 

ZOZ, Z02, Z04, ZO7, ZZ7, ZZ8, Z22, Z25, 

Z29, Z4Z, Z43, Z59, 2Z3, 296, 30Z; 



INDEX 



387 



number desirable, 288 ; delay in en- 
tering, 104, 132; applications, 54; 
requirements, 54-55, 79, 109, 206, 
224, 274, 293, 362; restrictions, no, 
226; grading system, 231; classified 
by Academic Board, 303 ; needs on 
arrival, 249 ; necessary personal sup- 
plies, 225, 293 ; seminary supplies, 
225 ; extravagance prohibited, 68 ; 
general expenses, 38, 68, 79, 225- 
226, 231, 293; uniforms, 38, 40, 92, 
120, 193, 203, 220-222, 243 ; muskets, 
243 ; characteristics, 102, 107-108, 
131, 140; complaints, 145, 147; 
trouble among, 137, 138-140, 140- 
141; pranks, 145, 150, 151, 220, 221, 
371; vices, 128-129, 141, 143, 150; 
riot, 310; insubordinate, 332; de- 
serters, 142 ; code of honor, 220-222 ; 
Sherman restrains, 343 ; request 
party, 209-210; encampment, 71, 72, 
91 ; welcome Sherman's return, 193, 
194; under Vallas, 265; leave to 
join army, 379; affected by war ex- 
citement, 383 ; many enter Confeder- 
ate service, 384. State — 63, 90, 171- 
172; number enrolled, 131, 132, 168 ; 
opposition to, 172 ; appointments, 
203, 206, 241, 243 ; number by law, 
224; method of admission, 362; ad- 
ditional appropriation, 81; cost of 
educating, 102; Louisiana should 
pay for, 105 ; misconceptions con- 
cerning, 98. See Examinations ; 
Louisiana State University; Regu- 
lations 

Calhoun, Patrick: 297 

California: 13, 16, 17, 23, 76, 77, 154, 
178, 210, 258, 307, 330, 331, 333, 
367, 383 ; compared commercially 
with Louisiana, 202. City — San 
Francisco, 164, 178, 367 

Campbell, — (cadet) : 220, 221 ; ex- 
pelled, 222 

Cannon, Col. Fenelon: 24 

Carson, Dr. — : 187, 189 

Cass, Lewis: 316 



Catholic Church: in Alexandria, 22; 
Mrs. Sherman in Georgetown con- 
vent, 36; Sherman's daughters at- 
tend school, 376 

Chambers, Col. — : 130, 178, 240 

Charleston (S. Car.): 58, 212, 272, 
315, 360; political conditions in, 
318-319; compared with New Or- 
leans, 333 

Chicago: 37, 213, 358 

Cincinnati: 55, 153, 160, 161, 164, 187, 
189, 191, 255, 259, 276, 291, 347, 358, 
376; regulations printed, 248, 256, 
262, 275, 277; to secure helpers, 279; 
Sherman visits, 281; commercial 
center, 281; Prince of Wales visits, 
289 

Civil War: 13, 15, 85, 105, 308, 315, 
330; as result of secession, 77, 89, 
ri 9> 3°5> 3 I2 > result of abolition 
movement, 78 ; approaching, 212 ; 
possible result, 233; expected, 301; 
need of avoiding, 373-374; precipi- 
tated, 343-344; certain, 295, 320, 
332; inevitable, 350, 357, 358, 382; 
real issues, 383 ; preparations for, 
274, 320, 378-379, 382; result in 
monarchy, 280; probable results, 
331; Sherman not anxious to share 
in, 339, 348 

Clark, John B: 117 and footnote, 118, 
121 

Clarke [Clark], Dr. Powhatan (mem- 
ber of the first faculty) : 156, 207, 
209, 282, 297, 319, 373, 376; por- 
trait, 27 ; elected assistant in chem- 
istry, 295 and footnote; goes to 
races > 207-208 ; temporary treasurer, 
371; willing to follow South, 307; 
enters Confederate service, 384; 
serves throughout war, 384 

Colonization: North makes Kansas 
non-slave state, 174 

Combs, Leslie : 280 

Cornelius, — (cadet) : 238 

Craig, Col. — : 219, 243, 323 

Cuba: 220, 223 



388 



SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 



Curriculum: ioo, 108, 109-110, 120, 
126, 274-275; plan, 57; no extras, 
68; military, 71-72; not definite, 
197; Graham outlines, 217-218; 
Sherman believes too severe, 324 

Cushman, — (cadet) : 144, 238 ; char- 
acteristics, 146 

Davis, Mr. — : 214 

Davis, Jefferson: 232; sends for Beau- 
regard, 369 

Delahoussaye, Mme. — : 203 

Democrats: threaten to split party, 
232 ; defeat admission of Kansas, 
244; division secures Republicans, 
280; question of leader, 290; party 
split secures Lincoln, 290 

Disciplinary methods: 128, 143-144, 
159, 225; expulsion, 137, 138, 220, 
222, 310; suspension from duties, 
139; pay for prank, 145, 150; ap- 
proved, 162; objections to » terms 
"Dismissed," "Deserted," 243, 246; 
Bragg's opinion, 236; referred to 
Academic Board, 283 

Doniphan, A. W: 301 

Douglas, Stephen A. (candidate for 
presidency) : 232, 245, 258, 260, 304; 
chance of election, 261 ; North fa- 
vors, 286, 290; many supporters in 
South, 272 

Economic Conditions: wealth of 
planters, 60; among planters, 80; 
south needs science, 82 ; cost of la- 
bor, 73; results of slave labor, 242; 
panic general, 308; commerce, 350; 
tariff, 366; probable results of se- 
cession, 358. A griculture— in Louis- 
iana, 141, 201, 202, 223, 273 ; soil 
fertile, 180; backward, 213; slaves 
required, 179; cold destroys orange 
crop, 86 ; harvest abundant in 
North, 261, 282; North and South 
contrasted, 254, 255-256, 258, 261. 
In various localities — in and near 
Alexandria, 60, 63, 141 ; in Louis- 
iana, 119, 131, 151, 169, 179, 288, 



302; in New Orleans, 310; in North, 
289, 348; in St. Louis, 380; in 
Washington, 260. See Faculty: sal- 
ary; Louisiana State University: eco- 
nomic conditions 

Educational Conditions: in Louisiana, 
16, 63, 133, 134, 170-171, 324; pub- 
lic schools, 16; plans for university, 
19; power of committee on educa- 
tion, 169 

Elgee, Capt. — : 123, 349 

England: 164, 170, 348, 350; see Lon- 
don 

Europe: 36 

Everett, Edward: 296 

Ewing, Mrs. — : 255, 257 

Ewing, P. B: 255 

Ewing Jr., Thomas (Sherman's 
brother-in-law) : 44, 179 

Ewing Sr., Thomas (Sherman's 
father-in-law) : 62, 98, 191, 192, 255, 
257 ; recommends London , position, 
153, 154; favors Lincoln, 232, 233 

Examinations: public, 235, 239, 247; 
advertised, 236; Bragg unable to 
attend, 238 ; Bragg invited to give 
oration, 239; preparations for, 240; 
Beauregard unable to attend, 242; 
Graham to attend, 245 ; successful, 
299 

Faculty: 127; advertisement for, 19- 
20; many applications received, 23; 
elected, 25-26; portraits, 27; Sher- 
man notifies to be on hand early, 
69 ; opposition to northern teachers, 
76 ; account of, 32 ; efficiency, 66 ; 
satisfactory, 131; commended, 134; 
oppose full authority vested in su- 
perintendent, 204, 205 ; relations with 
superintendent, 216; object to uni- 
forms, 267-268 ; trouble, 371 ; resolu- 
tions, 204-205 ; submit resolutions to 
Sherman, 375. Salaries — 19, 20, 51, 
69, 99, 102, 132-133; appropriation 
for, 86; need appropriation, 106; 
see Sherman: salary. Residential ac- 
commodations—lack, 30-31, 51; ap- 



INDEX 



389 



propriation for, 61, 63, 73, 86, 126, 
127, 161, 168, 170, 172, 176, 193, 
194; houses to be built, 188, 201; 
Sherman plans, 189; Sherman se- 
lects plans, 208, 209; Vallas's house 
to be finished first, 282, 286; Sher- 
man's house, 313; house completed, 
322. See Boyd; Clarke; St. Ange ; 
Sherman; Smith; Vallas 

Fellows, Mrs. — .-48, 123 

Florida: 367; ready for secession, 306. 
City — Pensacola 

Flower, Mrs. — : 200 

Floyd, Mr. — (carpenter) : 131, 270, 
282 

Floyd, John B. (secretary of war) : 
2 54> 3 2 3 I resigns, 327 

Ford, Mr. — : desires to make mat- 
tresses, 70-71 ; slow in delivering, 99 

Fort Jackson: 340, 369 

Fort Moultrie: 316, 318 

Fort Pike: 340 

Fort St. Philip: 340, 369 

Fort Sumter: 318, 327, 332, 357 

Fort Wood: 340 

France: 26, 32 

Georgetown, D. C: 36 

Georgia: 25, 67; ready for secession, 
306, 307, 308 ; Louisiana will follow, 
312. City — Savannah, 180 

Gibson, Gen. — : 156, 191 

Giddings, Joshua R: 45, 281 

Gilham, Major — : 35 

Gilmore, Mr. — : 59 

Gladney, Mr. — : 79 

Goode, F. S: 81, 172, 219 

Goodwyn, Ichabod: 25, 123 

Graham, Gen. G. Mason: 14, 15, 17, 
23. 24, 47, 51, 57, 60, 76, 84, 86, 90, 
95, 98, 159, 164. 180, 213, 235, 277; 
recommends Sherman, 13, 23-24, 29- 
30; characteristics, 48, 53, 56; con- 
servative, 338; interest in seminary, 
16, 34-37, 48, 152, 162, 238, 384; 
desires military man at head, 23 ; 
favors military system, 62, 70, 73, 
133, 216, 269-270; disapproval of 



Manning's attitude, 266-268, 270; 
makes seminary gift of cartridges, 
317; commends government of semi- 
nar}', 148-150; outlines curriculum, 
217-218 ; desires to retain Sherman, 
155-158, 165, 181; Sherman to con- 
fer with, 320; outlines difficulties 
in Board, 64-65 ; reports disorderly 
students, 128-129 ! invites faculty 
members to races, 207-208 ; mistaken 
regarding number admitted to 
seminary, 273 ; gives full report, 
324; wants Bragg appointed super- 
visor, 219; resigns vice-presidency 
of seminary, 264, 265, 283, 310; cir- 
culates John Sherman's letter, 117, 
118; advises Sherman to vote, 303; 
views on secession, 326; views on 
local conditions, 360-361 ; approves 
Sherman's resignation, 327; favors 
settling Sherman's salary, 354-357, 
361; editorial, 20-22, 23-24; memo- 
randum, 266-270; letters, 29, 34, 64, 
122, 133, 148, 155, 165, 215, 303, 326, 
346, 360 

Gray, Henry (supervisor) : 64 

Greeley, Horace: 25 

Grivot, Gen. — : 323; promises arms, 
215; promises to secure battery, 243 

Halsey, Mr. — : 123 

Haskins, Major — : 335; surrenders 
arsenal, 336 

Hebert, Mr. — : 76 

Helper, Hinton R: Impending Crisis, 
75, 78, 103, 117, 174 

Henarie, S. W. (supervisor) : 24, 59, 
70, 95, 104, 185, 194; favors Sher- 
man's election, 29 ; charge of semi- 
nary funds, 198 

Herget, Albert M: 11 

Hillan, — (cadet): 220, 222; wishes 
to return, 246 

Hungary: University of Pesth, 25, 32 

Hunt, Randall: 171, 374 

Hyams, — ■ (attorney-gen.) : 177, 178 

Hynson, Joe: 361 

Hynson, R. C: 65 



390 



SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 



Illinois Central Railroad: 37 

Indiana: Indianapolis, 191 

Industrial Conditions: see Labor and 

Industrial Conditions 
Irwin, — ■ (cadet) : 186 
Isaacs, Mrs. — : 195 
Isaacs, A* I: 33 

Jackson, Gen. T. J. [Stonewall] : 327 
James, Mr. — (contractor) : 56, 57, 70 
Jarreau, Mr. — (steward at semi- 
nary) : 14, 61, 70, 72, 75, 90, 122, 
132, 152, 166, 294, 319, 345, 373; 
unready for opening, 92 ; ill, 97 ; 
refuses to board Sherman family, 
188; paid in checks, 245; inefficient, 
279, 284; causes dissatisfaction, 299 
Jones, Theo: 11 

Kansas: 77, 88, 90, 212, 286, 344, 367; 
slavery, 174; question of admission, 
175 ; admission defeated, 244. City — 
Leavenworth, 17, 22, 31, 33, 37, 153 

Keary, P. F: 24 

Kelso, John: 379 

Kennet and Company: 284 

Kentucky: 25, 67, 280, 344, 357; no 
sympathy with S. Car., 280; slavery 
weak in, 306; plans to secede, 352; 
secession probable, 380. Cities — 
Cairo, 255; Columbus, 191; Frank- 
fort, 37; Louisville, 55, 194, 358 

Kentucky Military Institute: 37, 38 

Key West: 340, 357 

Kilburn, Col. C. L: 53, 75; faithful 
to Union, 370 

Knights of the Golden Circle: 297 

Labarre, Clement: 299 

Labor and Industrial Conditions: ne- 
groes lazy, 51-52; at seminary, 200; 
work at seminary, 258, 270-271; 
workmen lazy, 60; mechanics 
needed, 75, 179 ; carpenters, 98 ; 
tailor employed, 186; Sugar manu- 
facturing, 53. Servants — 186; 
needed, 92; scarcity, 201, 223; in- 



efficient, 94, 97, 117, 125; at semi- 
nary, 250; of Vallas, 60-61; diffi- 
culty of retaining white, 124-125; 
see Slavery 

Lake Borgne: 333, 340 

Lake Pontchartrain : 332, 333, footnote, 

335, 340 

Lancaster (Ohio) : 40, 93, 185, 187, 
192, 193, 195, 215, 247, 251, 259, 
261, 314, 326, 371; Sherman's fam- 
ily remains, 55; Sherman visits, 253, 
365; plans visit, 347; moves from, 
376 

Lane, Joe: 281 

Lay, Col. George W: elected successor 
to Sherman, 384; resigns, 379 

Ledoux, Mr. — : 214, 271 

Lee, Robert E: 384 

Lefevre, Mme. — : 366 

Lincoln, Abraham: 369, 377; nomi- 
nated, 232 ; stand not definite, 261 ; 
South opposes, 245, 272, 338; no 
ticket in Louisiana, 304; Republi- 
cans forced to accept, 259; Ohio 
favors, 258 ; North favors, 286 ; 
election expected, 260, 280, 293 ; 
benefited by Democratic split, 290; 
elected, 295, 296, 305 ; election por- 
tends secession, 296 ; to favor John 
Sherman, 289; inauguration may be 
prevented, 332; inauguration, 350; 
secession result of election, 304; 
radical, 232; moderate in senti- 
ments, 233 ; regarded as Black Re- 
publican, 316; organizes on party 
principles, 376; no trouble under, 
280; helpless to avoid trouble, 366; 
policy, 375 ; should have secured 
border states, 380; course necessary, 
381-382; awaits act of Congress, 
382; Sherman thought friendly to, 
304; call for volunteers, 365; see 
Political Conditions 

Lindsey, Capt. — : 195 

Linfield, Rev. W. E. M: 384 

Liverpool (Eng.) : 158 

London (Eng.) : 85, 153, 164, 175, 193, 



INDEX 



39i 



259 ; Sherman decides to accept po- 
sition ; decides against, 192; induce- 
ments to decline offer, 357 

Lovell, Mansfield: 198 and footnote 

Louisiana: 11, 13, 15, 32, 164, 173, 190, 
193. 257, 331, 347, 367, 382; im- 
portant location, 89; economic con- 
ditions, 119, 131, 141-142, 308; 
agriculture, 202, 213, 223; com- 
pared with Ohio, 195, 223 ; com- 
pared with California, 202 ; not 
so radical as other states, 118; 
slavery conditions, 177-178 ; politi- 
cal conditions, 174, 295 ; favors Bell, 
288 ; favors Bell and Everett, 296 ; 
peace expected, 338; people suspi- 
cious of Sherman's views, 176; pre- 
paring for war, 274; forts seized, 
340; commits acts of war, 341; hos- 
tile acts, 344; Sherman will not 
serve in, 312; free state, 370; must 
go with Mississippi Valley, 377. Se- 
cession — 340, 351-352; does not fa- 
vor, 175, 302, 307 ; war would re- 
sult, 306 ; favors secession, 307, 309- 
310, 311 ; certain, 325, 326, 333, 335 ; 
expects peaceful, 358; forced, 308; 
plans, 315; Sherman resigns follow- 
ing, 325, 342. Towns and Vil- 
lages—Monroe, 107; Mount Leb- 
anon, 68, 78, 79; Pineville, 21, 22, 
84, 244, 258, 288; Plaquemines, 299; 
Natchitoches, 258, 288 ; Shreveport, 
101 ; see Baton Rouge, New Or- 
leans 

Louisiana Democrat: 47, 293; edi- 
torial, 23-24, 24-26, 54, 66-68, 107; 
advocates secession, 326 

Louisiana State Seminary: see Louis- 
iana State University 

Louisiana State University [Louis- 
iana State Seminary, Louisiana 
State Seminary of Learning and 
Military Academy, Louisiana Mili- 
tary Academy, State Seminary of 
Learning]: 11, 13; name adopted, 
57; proposed name, 131, 135; name 



changed, 165, 171, 179; opening and 
preparations for, 14, 54, 64, 84, 90, 
93-94, 97, 100-101 ; preparations for 
second session, 282, 295 ; reopened, 
384; organization, Capt. McCIel- 
lan's advice, 40-42; organized under 
new law, 197; building and sur- 
roundings, 21, 48-51, 56, 60, 61, 62, 
63, 86, 87, 105, 132; ground plan 
(text cut), 31 ; locality healthful, 68, 
164, 223; furnishings!, 14, 36, 258; 
general plan and organization, 14, 
21-22, 35-36; modeled after Vir- 
ginia Military Institute, 58, 65, 97; 
general conditions, 167; outlook 
satisfactory, 213 ; plan of manage- 
ment, 62-63 ! trials in management, 
166; life at, 126; working plan, 67- 
68 ; regular routine of work, 296- 
297; purpose, 81-82; highly recom- 
mended, 65 ; circular, 57, 206, 224- 
232; advertised by students, 130; 
encourage visitors, 99 ; success de- 
pendent, 181, 278; improvements, 
189-190, 200, 240, 250-251, 322; li- 
brary foundation, 254, 271 ; re- 
ligious services not compulsory, 231 ; 
declamations, 210; celebrates 
Fourth, 238, 239-240; closing exer- 
cises, 253 ; semi-centennial anni- 
versary, 384; vacations, 72, 73; 
general conditions preceding war, 
379; Sherman's resignation and 
preparations for leaving, 182-185, 
335, 341-343. 349, 350, 362, 364; 
abandoned, 379; Sherman's suc- 
cessors, 367, 384; Sherman visits, 
384; see Cadets, Curriculum, Dis- 
ciplinary methods, Examinations, 
Faculty, Sherman, Supervisors 

Economic conditions: food — 
causes dissatisfaction, 152, 246-247; 
Sherman not responsible, 279. Fi- 
nancial condition — 51, 86, 90, 98, 99, 
102, 171, 214; cash basis, 104, 202, 
245 ; short of funds, 73 ; close of 
first quarter, 194; student fees, 231; 



392 



SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 



cash balance, 250; good, 345; en- 
trusted to Sherman, 106 ; Sherman 
wishes to control, 203-204, 209 ; 
Sherman leaves in order, 185, 246, 
322; see Faculty: salary. Cost — of 
books, 91 ; fencing, 121 ; purely 
classical course, 162; supplies, 38, 
74, 225 ; printing regulations, 246 ; 
military equipment, 346 ; expenses 
per cadet, 225-226. Appropriation — 
for seminary, 62, 127, 131, 166, 167, 
168, 170, 180, 240; for apparatus, 
172; bill, 173, 176, 188; ammuni- 
tion, 317. Supplies — 7 4, 75, 90, 92- 
93> 97) 99> 261; purchased, 78, 254; 
in New Orleans, 51, 91; in advance, 
248, 249, 263 ; shipped, 275, 278, 
288 ; ready, 294 

Military interests: in general — 
Central arsenal established, 323, 
339) 344) arsenal supplies needed, 
131 ; military equipment desirable, 
253; secured, 260, 264, 274, 346; 
battery, 243, 274; cartridges, 328, 
372, 360; from Baton Rouge arse- 
nal) 337) 347) 349)' owns building 
of former arsenal, 341, footnote. 
Military system — not to interfere 
with academic work, 67, 108 ; when 
possible, 71 ; cause of adoption, 89 ; 
attempt to make strictly military, 
x 33> *35> minimized, 197; weak- 
ened, 213, 268; favored, 65, 67, 73, 
80, 82, 91, 99, 132, 133, 134-135. 162, 
216, 218, 218-219, 226, 269; opposed, 
64-65, 132, 146, 147, 204, 205, 266, 
268, 283 ; see Military Schools 
Lucas, Mr. — : 154 

McClellan, Capt. Geo. B: 15, 37, 
381 ; advises concerning organiza- 
tion, 40-42 

McCook, Mr. — : 212 

McCoy, Mr. — : 60 

McLean, Mr. — : 213 

McNight, Mr. — : 188 

McNutts, Mr. — : 328 

Madison Democrat: editorial, 65-66 



Madison Parish: 65 

Magruder, Dr. Lewis: 64-65 

Maine: 25, 330 

Manning, T. C. (member of Board 
of Supervisors) : 24, 35, 36, 59, 65, 
68, 92, 99, 123, 165, 193, 249, 264, 
288, 328 ; opposed to military sys- 
tem, 205, 260; goes over regulations, 
247; sends regulations, 262; retains 
regulations, 267; commends Sher- 
man, 265; dislikes Sherman, 266; 
autocratic, 266-268 ; joins company, 

379 
Marcy, Capt. — : Prairie Traveller, 

41 

Maryland: slavery weak in, 306; see 
Baltimore 

Mason, Gen. R. B: 13, 16-17, 23, 24 

Massachusetts: Springfield, 244 

Maynadier, Capt. — : 286 

Mexican War: 16, 281 

Mexico: 77, 119, 241, 335; political 
troubles, 44. City — Sonora, 180 

Military Schools: 108, 119, 226; de- 
sirable model for institute, 37; point 
of difference from ordinary college, 
67; desirable, 66, 67; favored by 
part of Board, 73 ; deficient, 82 ; 
reasons for, in South, 89 ; favored 
by people, 133-134; desire to change 
seminary to, 169; little attention to 
classical studies, 274; at Nashville, 
140; see Louisiana State Univer- 
sity: Military Interests, Virginia 
Military Institute, West Point 

Miller, Joe: 371, 383 

Mills, Mr. — (workman) : 208, 209, 
270, 282, 292 

Minnesota: St. Paul, 42 

Mississippi: 67, 327, 337; radical, 118; 
war would result from secession, 
306 ; ready for secession, 307, 308 ; 
Louisiana will follow lead, 312; 
determined on secession, 319. 
Cities — Canton, 191; Jackson, 297 

Mississippi River: 48, 119, 258, 275, 
331-332, 335; must be under one 
government, 89, 105, 315, 377, 383; 



INDEX 



393 



North must control, 297; influence 
on politics and commerce, 312, 340; 
forts near mouth seized, 340; to be 
theatre of war, 315, 382 

Missouri: 67, 117, footnote, 301, 344, 
357) 360; slavery weak in, 306; 
plans to secede, 352; political con- 
dition, 380; may remain neutral, 
380; retained in union, 382 

Missouri Compromise: repeal, 281, 
286 

Missouri Republican: opposes seces- 
sion, 333 

Missouri River: 43 

Moise, Mr. — : 170 

Moore, Thomas O. (gov. of La.) : 14, 
15, 48, 56, 86, 99, 131, 153, 161, 
165, 170, 175, 177, 181, 185, 187, 
189, 192, 193, 197, 207, 237, 243, 
244, 249, 297, 317, 323, 326, 333; 
338, 344, 347, 35°, 359; Sherman 
spends night with, 56; presence de- 
sirable at seminary opening, 59 ; 
favors liberal appropriation, 61 ; de- 
sires to retain Sherman, 181 ; re- 
joiced at retaining Sherman, 197; 
appoints supervisors unwisely, 205 ; 
promises arms for seminary, 215; 
approves of Smith's plan, 218; 
Sherman plans to visit, 240; sends 
cake and wine to seminary, 240; 
authorizes Sherman to act, 254; fa- 
vors battery for seminary, 300; con- 
venes legislature, 309, 315; intent 
on politics, 310; orders seizure of 
forts and arsenal, 335, 338, 340, 341, 
343, 349! orders Sherman to receive 
arms, 337; letters, 181, 197, 350 

Morgan, Col. — (head of Ky. Mil. 
Inst.) : 37 

Myers, Col. A. C: 369 

Napoleon, Louis: 260 

National Intelligencer: 318; adver- 
tisement, 19-20; editorial, 20-22; 
opposes secession, 333 

New England: 330 

New Hampshire: 25 



New Jersey: 281 

New Mexico: 290 

New Orleans (La.) : 14, 22, 31, 32, 52, 
58, 59, 60, 62, 64, 70, 78, 84, 101, 
"7, 149, 153, 154, 161, 164, 168, 
173, 185, 187, 188, 189, 194, 198, 
202, 215, 220, 223, 246, 247, 248, 
258, 267, 276, 284, 285, 291, 292, 
317, 349, 358, 362, 364, 365, 368, 
381; supplies from, 69, 239; 'Sher- 
man to secure supplies, 63, 74; diffi- 
culty in securing supplies, 202, 248 ; 
supplies shipped to, 275, 278 ; com- 
mercial center, 60, 92-93 ; Sherman 
visits, 75-76, 90, 294, 335, 353; to 
secure helpers in, 279 ; political dis- 
turbance, 305; business dead, 310; 
result of secession on trade, 340; 
compared with Charleston, 333; 
ready for secession, 311; forts for 
protection, 340; news from, 305, 307, 
332; Military Board meets, 320; 
plans free port, 348, 350 

New Orleans Delta: 318 

New York (state) : 293, 304 

New York City: 11, 17, 74, 76, 99, 
101, 153, 164, 247, 340, 344, 345, 
348 ; text books ordered from, 62, 
69 ; commercial advantages, 92-93 ; 
uniforms ordered from, 185 ; order 
sent direct, 202 ; Sherman gives up 
going, 249 ; Sherman visits for sup- 
plies, 256, 257; supplies purchased, 
264 ; news of panic, 308 ; Wall St., 

367 
Noble, Mr. — : 107 
North Carolina: 64, 67 

Ohio: 45, 64, 73, 76, 77, 85, 124, 177, 
179, 264, 271, 291, 304, 331, 337, 
338, 367, 383; Sherman native of, 
16; Sherman sympathizes with, 89; 
southern sentiment against, 175 ; 
Sherman plans visit to, 180, 183- 
184, 185; journey to, 187; compared 
with Louisiana, 195, 223 ; agricul- 
ture, harvest abundant, 255, 258; 
Republican, 263, 280-281; abolition 



394 



SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 



state, 314; steal niggers, 310; Sher- 
man can not go against, 312; lacks 
opening for Sherman, 307, 359; 
Sherman plans to retire to, 339; 
McClellan in command of militia, 
381. Cities — Columbus, 55; Mans- 
field, 281; see Cincinnati, Lancaster 

Ohio River: 306 

Oliver Twist: 164 

Ord, Capt. — : 285 

Paris (France) : 158 

Patterson, Ann: 195, 200 

Pennsylvania: 281, 293, 304. City — 
Pittsburg, 358; see Philadelphia 

Perkins, Fred (cadet) : 219, 299, 300 

Philadelphia: 348; John Sherman 
makes speech, 280 

Pierce, Franklin: 241 

Political Conditions: tio-117; politi- 
cal influence necessary for advance- 
ment, 22 ; causes Sherman uneasi- 
ness, 98, 157, 279-280; disturbing, 
119, 152, 212, 296; prospect of se- 
cession, 307, 308-309 ; aggravated 
by politicians and editors, 123-124, 
3 2 3> 358> 360; politicians unable to 
control, 241 ; politicians intent on 
secession, 311; southern misconcep- 
tions, 92-93, 314; misconceptions 
between North and South, 103, 120- 
121, 279-280, 286, 291, 310, 312; 
presidential election, 232-233, 244- 
245, 26r, 304-305 ; Sherman advised 
to vote, 304; Sherman's views on, 
329, 330; in North, 254, 275, 279- 
281, 289-290; power with North, 
213 ; in South, 85, 271-272, 343-344, 
346; at Charleston, 318-319; in 
Louisiana, 80-81, 163, 295, 311, 338; 
in Missouri, 380; in New Orleans, 
366; in New York, 260; in Ohio, 
258-259; in Washington, 260; see 
Abolition movement, Lincoln, Seces- 
sion, Slavery 

Poussin, Mr. — : 188, 271 

Preston family: Lincoln connected 
with, 280 



Proctor, James (cadet) : 242, 299 
Proctor, Stephen R: 182 

Ransdell, Mr. — : 240 

Rapides Bayou: 318 

Rapides Parish: 16, 19, 55, 56, 176, 
178, 200, 296 

Red River: 14, 16, 21, 45, 47, 56, 63, 
64, 84, 192, 194, 202, 255, 256, 263, 
265, 275, 288, 292, 293, 316; un- 
navigable, 257-258, 278, 281, 291 

Red River American: 238; advertise- 
ment, 235-236 

Red River Valley: 384 

Reggio, Charles (cadet) : 299 

Regulations (for La. State Univ.) : 79, 
91, 108, 109-110; students to con- 
form to, 224-225; ready, 239, 293; 
reasons for not printing, 97, 149; 
Sherman quotes, 137; to be printed, 
246; cost of printing, 246, 282; 
printed in Cincinnati, 256, 262, 275, 
277 ; Manning goes over, 247 ; ig- 
norant of, 267 ; in Manning's pos- 
session, 267 ; to submit to committee, 
166; to be approved by supervisors, 
199; amended, 262, 264, 265; given 
fair trial, 324; inconsistent, 328 

Reid, W. I. N: 100, 242 

Religious conditions: churches in Alex- 
andria, 22; interferes with educa- 
tion, 63 ; cadets encouraged to at- 
tend church, 150, 231 ; reported op- 
position to, 244 

Republicans: 377; old Whig Party, 
281; John Sherman, 39; South fears 
election, 212, 213; forced to reject 
Seward, 259; Seward, leader, 287; 
carry Ohio, 263 ; party use ques- 
tioned, 272 ; John Sherman's speech, 
280; no interference with slavery, 
286; party differences, 290; deter- 
mined on abolition, 305 ; and abo- 
litionists identical, 232, 333. Black — 
25 ; hated in South, 174, 245 ; beaten, 

377 
Richmond (Va.) : 232 
Ricketts, Capt. — : 45 



INDEX 



395 



Ringgold, — (cadet) : 220, 221 ; ex- 
pelled, 222 
Rives, Wm. C: 377 
Robertson, Mr. — : 70, 189, 204, 214, 

249, 379 
Robertson and Company: 98 
Rocky Bayou: 214 
Roelofson, Mr., — : 105, 153, 155, 156, 

157, 158, 170, 173, 189, 259; arrival, 

158, 160, 164, 165; Sherman antici- 
pates offer, 85 ; plans to make Sher- 
man offer, 102; expected, 159; gone 
to Europe, 191 

Rupell, Mr. — : 158 
Ryan, Michael (member of Board of 
Supervisors) : 24, 59, 65 

St. Ange, E. Berte: 32, 57, 69, 74, 
99, 127, 128, 130, 139, 151, 152, 207, 
210, 245, 271, 319, 366, 371, 376, 
384; elected member of faculty, 25, 
26 ; goes to races, 207-208 ; loses in 
horse deal, 211; wishes no assist- 
ance, 277 ; objects to cadet classifi- 
cation, 303 ; indifferent to secession 
movement, 307 

St. Louis (Mo.): 37, 38, 42, 56, 200, 
223, 316, 336, 337, 358, 371, foot- 
note, 373, 383 ; probable results of 
war, 331; Sherman urged to go to, 
359; plans to visit, 364; visits, 365; 
moves family to, 365 ; Sherman lo- 
cates, 378 ; loses commerce, 380 

Sampson, Henry: 178 

Sanderson, Mr. — : 303 

Sanford, W. L. (member of Board of 
Supervisors) : 24, 64, 361 

Scott, Gen. Winfield: 26, 333, 340; 
favors Sherman's return to army, 

33i 

Scroggs, William O: 11 

Sears, Prof: 52 

Seay, Wm. A: 384 

Secession : 295 ; South should avoid, 
105; South sure of, 119; common 
topic, 232 ; states ready for, 306, 
307; favor immediate, 315; South 
believe in right, 373 ; South Caro- 



lina determined on, 319; Louisiana 
ready for, 309-310; certain in Louis- 
iana, 326, 335, 342; Louisiana se- 
cedes, 351, 352; Virginia's influence, 
380; Sherman's views on, 77, 85-86, 
89, 212-213, 306-308, 330, Brecken- 
ridge favors, 261 ; general, 342 ; 
hinted, 44; threatening, 103, 212; 
expected, 301; no belief in, 260; 
little danger of, 272 ; pending, 275, 
287; plans for, 308-309; successful, 
370; imminent, 308; certain, 295, 
297, 3". 314. 316, 319-320, 325, 333; 
inevitable, 312; result of abolition 
movement, 302; result of Lincoln's 
election, 304; Civil War result, 304; 
will not aid South, 306 ; general re- 
sult, 306 ; political and commercial 
results, 340 ; revenue important 
question, 358; utterly wrong, 330; 
talk general, 366 

Sevier, Dr. John W: 99, 128; signs 
dismissal of cadet, 139 

Seward, F. W: 213, 232, 281; speech, 
260-261; abolitionist, 287; Republi- 
can leader, 287; appointment, 332 

Sherman, John: 47, 102, 105, 118, 154, 
3^5, 377; characteristics, 103-104; 
brother advises political moderation, 
40; not abolitionist, 103, 177; views 
on slavery, 77, 211-212; strong in 
views, 281; becomes radical, 259; 
opposed by South, 75, 85, 88, 173; 
candidate for speaker, 176; election 
as speaker, 78, 87; defeated, 159, 
174-175 ; indorses Helper's Impend- 
ing Crisis, 75, 76, 78, 87, 103, 117, 
118; speech, 211, 263, 280, 282, 287, 
289-290; Boyd's opinions of views, 
287; advises brother to resign, 312- 
3*3, 331; takes bold stand, 360; 
letters, 312, 331 

Sherman, Lizzie (daughter of Wm. T. 
Sherman) : 126, 313, 337 

Sherman, Minnie (oldest daughter of 
Wm. T. Sherman) : 52, 84, 126, 313, 

3H, 367, 372 
Sherman, Philemon Tecumseh: 11, 15 



396 



SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 



Sherman, Tom (son of Gen. Sher- 
man) : 126, 313, 367 

Sherman, William Tecumseh: 15, 16, 
57, 238; member of law firm, 22; 
characteristics, 24, 150, 156, 237; 
health, 45 ; business misfortunes, 
164; impressions of Red River Val- 
ley, 47-48 ; views on abolition, 44- 
45, 76, 77, 78, 84-85; on political 
conditions, 98, 232, 279-280, 329, 
330; on secession, 89, 103, 306-308, 
330; on slavery, 39-40, 44-45, 77, 
83, 88-89, 119, 124, 174, 177, 178, 
241, 376; feels delicacy of southern 
position, 44; fears influence of 
brother's stand, 76, 77, 83, 88, 102, 
118, 121, 154, 157, 176; can not in- 
fluence brother, 281 ; considers 
brother fair, 119; fears no out- 
break, 280; believes government 
should act, 357, 360; in New Or- 
leans, 75-76; in Alexandria, 55-56; 
in Baton Rouge, 175 ; desires to 
bring family south, 184, 213; to 
visit Ohio, 185, 305; offer of Lon- 
don position, 85, 98, 102, 152, 153- 
155, 160, 161, 175, 179, 180-181, 183- 
184, 191, 259; condition of remain- 
ing, 161, 164, 170, 183 ; decides to 
remain, 190, 191 ; hesitates to bring 
family south, 265, 266; decides to 
leave family north, 192, 193, 257, 
278, 282, 286, 292, 296, 301 ; goes 
north, 187-193, 247; avoids politics, 
286 ; advised to vote, 296, 303 ; not 
questioned as to political inten- 
tions, 297; decides not to vote, 304; 
plans if war comes, 314, 316; loyal 
to government, 318, 341; outlines 
course of conduct, 317-318; opposes 
seizure of arsenal, 335; excused 
from hostile act, 339; established 
in St. Louis, 375 ; goes to Washing- 
ton, 376 ; declines offer in the War 
Dep't, 378; receives army appoint- 
ment, 383 ; plans collection, 13 ; ex- 
tracts from Memoirs, 13, 15, 55-57, 
175, 253-254, 295-297, 335-337, 368- 



371; letters, 33, 37, 39, 42, 43, 45, 
47, 57, 58, 60, 61, 62, 68, 70, 72, 74, 
75, 77, 78, 84, 86, 88, 90, 91, 93, 98, 
100, 102, 104, 106, 107, 117, 118, 120, 
124, 125, 127, 128, 131, 132, 137, 139, 

140, 142, 144, 145, 151, 152, 158, 160, 
164, 166, 168, 169, 170, 173, 179, 180, 
183, 185, 187, 189, 190, 192, 193, 194. 
198, 200, 202, 207, 209, 211, 212, 214, 
220, 222, 238, 239, 241, 243, 244, 245, 
247, 250, 254, 257, 259, 262, 264, 275, 
277, 283, 288, 292, 294, 301, 302, 304, 
305, 308, 309, 311, 313, 314, 316, 317, 
325, 328, 329, 331, 332, 337, 338, 340, 
34i, 342, 343, 344, 347, 348, 351, 354, 
357, 359, 364, 365, 375, 378, 380, 381 

AS SUPERINTENDENT OF LOUISIANA 

State Seminary: advised of position, 
22-23 ; application, 26 ; Graham 
recommends, 23-24; elected, 13, 16, 
25; appointment, 29; salary, 23, 59, 
93, 132-133, 153, 156-157, 161, 170, 
181-182, 321, footnote, 339, 344, 345, 
35o, 354, 357, 361, 362, 368; seeks 
advice, 40-42, 55; disapproves of 
seminary name, 57; prepares for 
opening, 57; sees supervisors, 59; 
in Baton Rouge, 168-175 ; prepares 
circular, 57, 203, 206, 223-232; noti- 
fies faculty, 68 ; prepares regula- 
tions, 58, 60; personal supervision 
of printing, 275, 277 ; opening, 68- 
69, 101 ; plans work, 33-34; duties 
at seminary, 87, 90, 117; takes active 
charge, 60, 98-99, 104; encouraged 
in work, 131, 170; given ample 
authority, 73 ; fears curtailment of 
power, 199, 235, 248, 249; trouble 
with students, 128-129, 138-139, 140- 

141, 142-147, 220-222 ; trouble with 
supervisors, 146, 264; authority cur- 
tailed, 262, 264-265, 283-284; en- 
courages visitors, 99 ; plans for 
equipment and supplies, 70, 248, 
254, 256, 258, 261, 263, 264; military 
equipment, 253, 254, 260, 264, 273- 
274, 317, 323, 346; improvements, 
121-122, 132, 187, 189-190; prefers 



INDEX 



397 



seminary made military academy, 
169; fear9 rigid military discipline, 
71 ; expects military system weak- 
ened, 213 ; financial affairs of semi- 
nary, 105, 198-199, 202, 204, 245, 
246, 349 ; absence from seminary, 
186-187; vacation plans, 216, 250; 
examinations, 239; reports, 106, 321- 
325, 328 ; last formal act as supt, 
361-362; winds up affairs at semi- 
nary, 335; causes leading to, and 
resignation, 182-183, 307, 309, 311, 
312-313, 315, 326, 331, 338, 341-342, 
344, 345, 347, 359, 362, 363; asked 
to suggest successor, 320; prepares 
to leave, 364; departure regretted, 
350-351, 353-354; receives resolu- 
tion of thanks, 363 ; resolutions from 
Academic Board, 375 ; secures grant 
for seminary, 384; aids professors 
and students during war, 384; see 
Cadets, Disciplinary Methods, Fa- 
culty, Louisiana State Seminary 

Sherman, Mrs. Win, T: 53, 98, 124, 
187; wishes Sherman to accept Lon- 
don position, 153, 180; willing to go 
South, 266; prepares fruit, 291; will 
remain north, 42, 319; postpones 
visit south, 337 

Sherman, Willie (son of Wm. T. 
Sherman) : 126, 313, 337, 367, 372, 
376 

Slavery: 39, 360; slaves in university, 
90; cost of slaves, 119; North op- 
poses, 43-44; hostile laws, 311; 
South believes endangered, 358; in 
Va., Ky., Tenn., Mo., 357-358; sub- 
ject of discord, 77; excuse for se- 
cession, 275, 329, 366, 376; common, 
223; necessary, 124-125, 174; must 
continue, 241, 245, 272-273, 306; 
made national, 279-280; Republi- 
cans will not interfere, 286; in terri- 
tories, 263, 287, 290, 296; covers 
sufficient territory, 280; causes 
Sherman uneasiness, 75, 76; causes 
political anxiety, 343 ; results of 
slave labor, 242; Sherman's views, 



39-40, 44, 77, 83, 88-89, "9, 124, 
174, 177-178, 211-212, 241, 376; see 
Abolition movement 

Slidell, Mr. — : 300 

Smith, CoK (supt. of Va. Mil. Inst.) : 
32, 35, 204 

Smith, Francis W. (member of facul- 
ty) : 36, 84, 99, 122, 127, 128, 138, 
139, 144, 151, 152, 158, 185, 187, 
193, 207, 276, 282, 297, 319, 371, 
376 ; elected member of faculty, 25, 
26; account, 32; portrait, 27; 
charge of bill of fare, 166; 
charge of recreation and military 
control, 186; goes to races, 207-208; 
in New York, 263 ; meets Sherman, 
264; under Vallas, 265; objects to 
assisting Vallas, 276 ; willing to be 
of service, 277 ; classes, 277 ; op- 
posed to secession, 307 ; charge of 
munition, etc., 351, 368 ; arsenal 
duties, 343 ; suggested for military 
command, 345 ; thanks Sherman, 
372 ; enters Confederate service, 
384; killed, 384; letters, 276, 371 

Smith, Capt. G. W: 182, 198 

Smith, Richard: 30, 34 

Smith, Dr. S. A. (member of Board 
of Supervisors) : 15, 59, 64, 65, 99, 
123, 130, 132, 152, 155, 156, 157, 161, 
163, 166, 168, 179, 187, 189, 193, 194, 
201, 288, 317, 327, 332, 353, 362, 373, 
378, 383; characteristics, 237; 
sounds Sherman for views, 87; op- 
poses military system, 162, 169, 268; 
advocates University of Virginia as 
model, 218 and footnote; sanctions 
military character, 171 ; advocates 
new system, 198 ; leader of appro- 
priation bill, 168; hopes for appro- 
priation, 182 ; gets bill through, 188 ; 
unfitted for connection with semi- 
nary, 237 ; to secure arms, 247 ; 
wants reports, 107 ; reports placed 
with, 329; intent on politics, 310; 
conservative, 311; Sherman notifies 
of resignation, 342 ; wishes Sherman 
to delay resignation, 338, 341, 352; 



39B 



SHERMAN AS COLLEGE PRESIDENT 



does not believe war inevitable, 
362; anticipates peace, 338; calls 
supervisors meeting, 354; Sherman 
plans to meet, 364; Sherman meets 
in New Orleans, 366; settles semi- 
nary business, 368; willing to ex- 
change information with Sherman, 
375; joins company, 379; letter, 
359; see Supervisors 

Social Conditions: among faculty, 193, 
195, 200, 207-208. Amusements — 
party, 209-210, 361 ; public examina- 
tions, 235; celebration, 238, 239- 
240; nutting, 291; ball, 371. Hos- 
pitality - 48, 286; of Graham, 30; 
of Bragg, 53, 54; of Gov. Moore, 
56; gift of mutton, 61 ; Sherman de- 
pendent on, 188; Sherman encour- 
ages, 240; wishes to extend, 375- 
376 

South Carolina: 67, 175, 302, 315, 318, 
333> 34°> political conditions, 212; 
radical, 118; favors Breckenridge, 
272, 288 ; no sympathy with Ken- 
tucky, 280 ; forced to act, 308 ; 
ready for secession, 304, 306, 307 ; 
determined to secede, 308, 319; se- 
ceded, 317; see Charleston 

Southern States: 67, 77, 211, 304, 358, 
377 ; ready to follow S. Car.'s lead, 
302, 317; general convention, 351; 
some may secede again, 366 

Spencer, — (cadet) : wish to return, 
246 

Stafford, — (cadet) : 220, 221 

Steptoe, Mr. — : 220 

Stone, Capt. — : Sherman suggests as 
successor, 180 

Supervisors, Board of: 14; meets and 
plans for seminary, 19; membership, 
62; governor, president of, 55; 
Moore appoints unwisely, 205 ; elect 
faculty, 24-26 ; busy with personal 
affairs, 60; duties, 62-63; appoint 
cadets, 79; advertise school, 134; 
control leave of absence, 244; de- 
termine relations between supt. and 
faculty, 205 ; determine Sherman's 



authority, 248 ; curtail Sherman's 
authority, 264-265 ; change plans, 
277; leave details to Sherman, 105; 
depend on Sherman, 118, 341; ap- 
prove regulations, 149 ; consider 
regulations, 248; requisitions sub- 
mitted to, 248 ; committee meets 
faculty, 57; meeting, 73, 193-194. 
200-201, 220, 259, 354, 359; lack 
quorum, 64 ; quorum difficult to se- 
cure, 64-65; military system for 
seminary, 62, 89, 132, 216; policy 
causes anxiety, 235; should be near 
seminary, 236; controversy, 299; 
Sherman's last report, 321-325 ; en- 
grossed with political affairs, 352; 
accept Sherman's resignation, 362; 
resolutions, 160, 362; elect Col. Lay 
as supt., 383 

Taliaferro, — (cadet): 98, 238; en- 
ters union navy, 384 

Taylor, Col. J. P: 156, 172 

Taylor, Richard: 26, 81, 168, 169, 176, 
177, 180, 219, 315 

Taylor, Zachary: 274 

Tempel, Mr. — (first cadet) : 98 

Tennessee: 67, 128, 306, 344, 357; se- 
cession probable, 380. Cities — 
Beer-Sheba Springs, 30; Jackson, 
191; Memphis, 194; Nashville, 140 

Terrebonne (Parish in La.) : 81 

Texas: 67, 273, 336; slave territory, 
280; ready for secession, 306, 307, 
308. Cities — Brownsville, 336; Na- 
cogdoches, 273 

Text-books: 34, 231-232, 257, 263, 324; 
suggested, 42 ; ordered, 61-62, 78 ; 
plans for securing, 69; received, 91, 
104 ; difficulties in securing, 101 ; 
purchased, 264 , 

Transportation: 192, 254-255; accom- 
modations, 47-48 ; on Mississippi 
River, 45 ; facilities in Alexandria, 
22 ; river traffic, 265 ; navigation 
closed, 288; by mail-coach, 56; de- 
lays, 43, 193, 308; roundabout, 190- 
191; journey south, 194; difficult, 



INDEX 



399 



202; freight, 256-258, 273, 275, 278, 

281, 288, 291, 292-293, 294 
Trowbridge, — : Sherman suggests as 

successor, 180 
Tucker, Beverly: 158 
Turner, Mr. — : urges Sherman to go 

to St. Louis, 359 
Turner, Henry: 154 

University of Virginia: 26, 32, 97, 

132 
Utah: 290 

Vallas, Dr. Anthony (member of 
faculty) : 30, 57, 69, 94, 95, 127, 128, 
x 39> J 45> I 87» 190, 215, 384; elected, 
25; account, 32; portrait, 27; ar- 
rival announced, 54; characteristics, 
60; rents house, 60; residence for, 
86, 282, 286, 292; interest in work, 
103; charge of correspondence, 186; 
refuses share in military system, 205 ; 
forbidden to preach regularly, 244, 
footnote; unable to control, 265; 
wants more authority, 265 and foot- 
note; Manning instigates to rebel, 
266-267; assistant, 276, 294, 289; 
indifferent to secession movement, 
307 ; not to succeed as superintend- 
ent, 339; assumes authority, 371; 
superintendent pro tern., 384; ex- 
tract from Memoir, 205 

Virginia: 25, 35, 64, 67, 176, 280, 299, 
344, 357, 381, 382; slavery weak in, 
306 ; news of panic, 308 ; influence, 
380. Cities — Lexington, 21, 32, 35, 
65, 129, 134, 199, 269; Norfolk, 32; 
Richmond, 36; Virginia Springs, 
242 

Virginia Military Institute: 26, 31, 32, 



134; desirable to adopt code, 35-36; 
to visit, 38; supplies, 38; to serve 
as model, 19, 21, 58, 65, 97, 135, 
216, 217, 269 

Washington, D.C: ii, 13, 19, 33, 37, 
103, 156, 158, 191, 195, 215, 219, 
244, 247, 274, 316, 317, 323, 340, 
344, 345, 364, 365; Sherman visits, 
253 ; Sherman visits for military 
equipment, 256, 257 

West Point (N.Y.) : 16, 23, 26, 33, 52, 
55, 102, 129, 199, 294, 366; uni- 
forms, 38; course good, 41-42; fur- 
nishings, 36; Graham student of, 
48 ; favors system, 73 ; system of 
grading, 108 ; seminary resembles, 
226; Beauregard escapes superin- 
tendency, 242; Henry Beauregard 
prepares for, 242, 298 

Whittington, Miss — : 255, 256, 257, 
259 

Whittington, W. W. (member of 
Board of Supervisors) : 24, 35, 57, 
215, 264, 361 

Wickliffe, R. C. (gov. of La.) : 14, 15, 
26, 29, 30, 37, 47, 106, 127, 131, 132, 
153, 203, 344; advertises for faculty, 
19-20, 21 ; presides at Board meet- 
ing, 24; informs successful appli- 
cants, 29; toasts Sherman, 33; 
Sherman reports to, 55; recommen- 
dation of no value, 169; letters, 26, 

29 

Williamson, Major: 32 

Winn, Col. Walter : 24 
Wise, Gov. — : 273 
Wise, Mr. — : 156 

Yancey, W. L: 232, 297 



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